Question 1

Emphysema is a disease of?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Alveoli of lungs Emphysema is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls and enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles, leading to reduced surface area for gas exchange. This causes airflow limitation, air trapping, and hyperinflation, contributing to dyspnea and decreased oxygenation. The pathology is centered in the lung parenchyma (alveoli), not the heart valves, brain tissue, or stomach lining.
Category reason: This is testing foundational knowledge of where emphysema pathology occurs within the body, which is core Respiratory System content rather than nursing care prioritization or interventions.

Question 2

Which condition causes fluid accumulation in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Pulmonary edema Pulmonary edema is defined by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lung interstitium and alveoli, commonly due to increased hydrostatic pressure from left-sided heart failure. This fluid impairs gas exchange and causes dyspnea and crackles on auscultation. Pneumonia primarily involves infection with inflammatory exudate, asthma involves bronchospasm and airway inflammation, and pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura rather than alveolar fluid accumulation.
Category reason: This question tests recognition of a respiratory condition characterized by fluid accumulation within the lungs, which is foundational disease knowledge within the Respiratory System rather than a nursing action/priority scenario.

Question 3

THE NORMAL OXYGEN SATURATION OF A HEALTHY PERSON IS?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: 98-100% In a healthy adult at sea level, normal pulse oximetry (SpO2) is typically in the high 90s, commonly cited as ~95–100%, reflecting adequate arterial oxygenation. Values like 80–90% indicate hypoxemia and are not normal for a healthy person. Ranges such as 60–70% or 70–80% represent severe hypoxemia and would usually be associated with significant respiratory or circulatory compromise. Therefore, 98–100% is the best answer among the choices.
Category reason: This item tests normal physiologic oxygenation (SpO2) and respiratory gas exchange norms rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization decision, so it fits foundational Respiratory System knowledge.

Question 4

Pneumonia is infection in..??

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Lungs Pneumonia is an infection and inflammation of the lung parenchyma, primarily affecting the alveoli and surrounding tissue. This leads to consolidation and impaired gas exchange, causing symptoms such as cough, fever, dyspnea, and hypoxia. The liver and throat are not the primary sites of pneumonia.
Category reason: This item tests foundational knowledge of where pneumonia occurs within the body, which is core Respiratory System content rather than nursing care decision-making.

Question 5

Which of the following is a common trigger of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Dust Dust (including dust mites and particulate matter) is a common environmental allergen/irritant that can trigger bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation in asthma. Exposure can lead to bronchospasm, mucus production, and worsening wheeze/cough. The other choices are not typical asthma triggers; exercise itself can trigger symptoms, but “exercise avoidance” is not a trigger.
Category reason: This item tests knowledge of common asthma triggers and airway reactivity, which is foundational content within the Respiratory System rather than a nursing-action or prioritization scenario.

Question 6

What is a nebulizer used for?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Convert medicine into mist A nebulizer aerosolizes liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled into the airways and lungs. This allows delivery of bronchodilators or other inhaled drugs directly to the respiratory tract for conditions such as asthma or COPD. It does not inject medications, break kidney stones (lithotripsy), or scan the body (imaging).
Category reason: This question tests the function and use of a respiratory device for delivering inhaled medication, which is foundational knowledge within the Respiratory System rather than a nursing-prioritization scenario.

Question 7

Clubbing of fingers is associated with?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: chronic hypoxia Digital clubbing is classically associated with chronic hypoxemia, most often from chronic lung disease (e.g., bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer) or cyanotic congenital heart disease. The chronic low oxygen state is thought to trigger vascular and connective tissue proliferation in the distal phalanges, producing the bulbous fingertips. Hypertension, anemia, and arrhythmias are not typical direct causes of clubbing.
Category reason: This item tests a clinical sign (digital clubbing) and its underlying association with chronic hypoxemia, which is most directly tied to disorders affecting oxygenation and ventilation—core Respiratory System content.

Question 8

Emphysema is characterized by?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Alveolar wall destruction Emphysema is defined by permanent enlargement of airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles with destruction of alveolar walls, leading to reduced elastic recoil and impaired gas exchange. This alveolar septal destruction decreases surface area for diffusion and contributes to air trapping and hyperinflation. Bronchial obstruction is more characteristic of chronic bronchitis/asthma, lung fibrosis is a restrictive interstitial process, and pleural effusion is fluid in the pleural space rather than an alveolar structural change.
Category reason: This item tests core disease characterization/pathophysiology of a COPD subtype (emphysema) within the respiratory system rather than nursing interventions or prioritization.

Question 9

Which term refers to difficulty breathing when lying flat?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Orthopnea Orthopnea is shortness of breath that occurs when a person is lying flat and improves when sitting up or elevating the head. It is classically associated with conditions like heart failure due to increased venous return and pulmonary congestion in the supine position. Dyspnea is a general term for difficult breathing, apnea is cessation of breathing, and tachypnea is an increased respiratory rate.
Category reason: This question tests the meaning of a respiratory symptom term (orthopnea), which is foundational biomedical knowledge about breathing and clinical terminology within the Respiratory System.

Question 10

What is the purpose of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Exchanging gases The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange—bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide via the alveoli in the lungs. This maintains adequate oxygenation for cellular metabolism and helps regulate acid-base balance by controlling CO2 levels. The other options describe functions of the cardiovascular (pumping blood), endocrine (producing hormones), and gastrointestinal (digesting food) systems.
Category reason: This question tests foundational knowledge of the main function of the respiratory system (oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange), which is core Respiratory System physiology rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization scenario.

Question 11

Where does oxygen enter the blood during respiration?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Alveoli Gas exchange occurs at the alveoli, where oxygen diffuses across the thin alveolar-capillary membrane into pulmonary capillary blood down its partial-pressure gradient. The trachea and bronchi are conducting airways that move air but do not participate in significant diffusion into blood. The diaphragm is a respiratory muscle that drives ventilation, not the site of oxygen entry into the bloodstream.
Category reason: This question tests the site of pulmonary gas exchange, a core concept of respiratory anatomy and physiology within the Respiratory System.

Question 12

Smoking increase which gas content in blood ?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: CO Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, which diffuses across the alveoli into the bloodstream and binds hemoglobin with very high affinity to form carboxyhemoglobin. This increases the CO content in blood and reduces oxygen-carrying capacity, causing tissue hypoxia. The other listed substances are not the characteristic gas that rises in blood due to smoking exposure.
Category reason: This is a foundational question about inhaled gases from smoking and their effect on blood gas content and oxygen transport, which fits Respiratory System physiology/pathophysiology rather than nursing care decisions.

Question 13

SMOKING CAUSES DAMAGE TO

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: lungs Cigarette smoke directly injures the respiratory epithelium, impairs mucociliary clearance, and promotes chronic airway inflammation, leading to chronic bronchitis and emphysema (COPD). It also increases oxidative stress and DNA damage in lung tissue, raising the risk of lung cancer. While smoking also harms other organs (e.g., cardiovascular disease), the most direct and classically tested target-organ damage among these options is the lungs.
Category reason: This question tests foundational biomedical knowledge about the primary organ system harmed by smoking, focusing on respiratory structure/function and disease risk rather than a nursing care decision.

Question 14

Positive End Expiratory pressure is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Alveolar pressure above atmospheric pressure Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is pressure maintained in the alveoli at the end of expiration that is greater than atmospheric pressure. This prevents alveolar collapse (atelectasis), increases functional residual capacity, and improves oxygenation by keeping alveoli open. Therefore, the definition that matches PEEP is alveolar pressure above atmospheric pressure.
Category reason: This question tests the definition of PEEP, a mechanical ventilation/respiratory physiology concept, which fits best under the Respiratory System subject area.

Question 15

Respiratory Terms

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Apnea Absence of breathing. Apnea is defined as a temporary cessation or absence of breathing, which matches the option text exactly. Dyspnea refers to subjective difficulty breathing, tachypnea to abnormally rapid breathing, and bradypnea to abnormally slow breathing. Therefore, the best match for “absence of breathing” is apnea.
Category reason: This item tests definitions of breathing-related clinical terms (apnea, dyspnea, tachypnea, bradypnea), which are foundational respiratory concepts rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization scenario, so it fits the Respiratory System subject.

Question 16

Asthma is mainly due to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Airway inflammation & bronchospasm Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation with hyperresponsiveness leading to episodic bronchoconstriction (bronchospasm), mucus production, and reversible airflow obstruction. These processes narrow the airways and cause wheeze, cough, and shortness of breath. Viral infections can trigger exacerbations but are not the primary underlying mechanism. Bacterial infection and tumors are not typical causes of asthma.
Category reason: This item tests the core pathophysiology of asthma (mechanisms of airflow obstruction) rather than nursing interventions, which places it in the Respiratory System foundational science domain.

Question 17

Normal value of tidal volume in a healthy adult is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: 500 ml Normal adult tidal volume at rest is approximately 500 mL per breath (about 6–8 mL/kg ideal body weight). 150 mL is closer to anatomic dead space volume, not tidal volume. 350 mL is lower than the typical resting value for a healthy adult, while 1000 mL would be unusually high for quiet breathing and more consistent with deeper voluntary breaths.
Category reason: This question tests a normal physiologic lung volume (tidal volume) in a healthy adult, which is core respiratory physiology rather than a nursing intervention or safety decision.

Question 18

Sputum test is done for?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: TB Sputum examination (e.g., AFB smear/culture or NAAT) is a primary diagnostic test for pulmonary tuberculosis because Mycobacterium tuberculosis is shed in respiratory secretions. Collecting sputum allows direct detection of the organism and supports diagnosis, treatment initiation, and infection-control decisions. Kidney stones and diabetes are not evaluated via sputum testing.
Category reason: This is a foundational diagnostic question about using sputum testing to identify a respiratory infectious disease, fitting Respiratory System content rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization scenario.

Question 19

The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor the client for which acid-base imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Respiratory acidosis. COPD commonly causes chronic hypoventilation and air trapping, leading to CO2 retention (hypercapnia). Increased PaCO2 drives the blood pH down, producing primary respiratory acidosis, often with renal compensation (elevated HCO3−) over time. Therefore, the nurse should monitor for signs and ABG patterns consistent with respiratory acidosis rather than a primary metabolic disorder.
Category reason: This question tests the physiologic consequence of impaired ventilation in COPD (CO2 retention and its effect on acid-base balance), which is foundational respiratory physiology rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization scenario.

Question 20

Alveoli are the parts of?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Lungs Alveoli are tiny air sacs located at the ends of bronchioles in the lungs, where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into pulmonary capillaries, and carbon dioxide diffuses from blood into the alveoli for exhalation. The liver, spleen, and stomach are not involved in alveolar gas exchange.
Category reason: This question tests identification of where alveoli are located and their role in gas exchange, which is core Respiratory System anatomy/physiology knowledge rather than a nursing intervention scenario.

Question 21

Persistent coughing is not likely to cause any chest pains.?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: FALSE Persistent coughing can cause chest pain due to repeated forceful contraction of intercostal and accessory respiratory muscles, leading to muscle strain and costochondral irritation. It can also exacerbate pleuritic pain when the pleura is inflamed (e.g., viral pleurisy, pneumonia). Therefore, it is incorrect to say persistent coughing is not likely to cause any chest pains.
Category reason: This is testing a general biomedical relationship between a respiratory symptom (persistent cough) and potential physiologic causes of chest pain, which fits best under the Respiratory System rather than nursing interventions or prioritization.

Question 22

Which of the following types of asthma involves an acute asthma attack brought on by an upper respiratory infection?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Intrinsic Intrinsic (nonallergic) asthma is commonly triggered by factors such as upper respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, or irritants rather than by specific allergens. Viral URIs can increase airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, precipitating acute bronchospasm. Extrinsic asthma is classically IgE-mediated and associated with allergens, making it less directly tied to URIs as the primary trigger in standard classification.
Category reason: This item tests foundational knowledge of asthma types and common triggers (e.g., URI-triggered intrinsic/nonallergic asthma), which is respiratory pathophysiology rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization decision.

Question 23

RSV primarily affects the upper respiratory tract.

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: False Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly involves the lower respiratory tract, especially in infants and young children, causing bronchiolitis and pneumonia. While RSV can begin with upper respiratory symptoms (e.g., rhinorrhea, congestion), its hallmark clinical significance is lower airway inflammation and obstruction. Therefore, stating it primarily affects the upper respiratory tract is incorrect.
Category reason: This item tests foundational knowledge of which part of the respiratory system is most affected by RSV infection, which is a biomedical concept rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization decision.

Question 24

Patient: 30-year-old female Presentation: Fever + productive cough x5 days, yellow sputum, no hemoptysis, mild fatigue. Possible Dx:

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Acute bronchitis Acute bronchitis commonly presents with an acute productive cough (often with purulent/yellow sputum) and may include fever, typically over several days. The absence of hemoptysis and only mild systemic symptoms make pulmonary TB less likely, as TB more often causes chronic cough, weight loss, night sweats, and/or hemoptysis. Pneumonia is more likely to have more significant systemic illness and often pleuritic chest pain or dyspnea, whereas this presentation is mild and short-duration. Viral flu usually causes prominent myalgias, headache, and nonproductive cough early rather than isolated productive cough with yellow sputum.
Category reason: This is a differential-diagnosis question based on respiratory symptoms (cough, sputum, fever) rather than nursing interventions or prioritization, so it fits foundational biomedical knowledge of the Respiratory System.

Question 25

Main risk factor for COPD is..??

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Smoking Cigarette smoking is the primary and most important risk factor for COPD, driving chronic airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and accelerated decline in lung function. It is strongly associated with both chronic bronchitis and emphysema and has the largest attributable risk compared with other exposures. Infections can precipitate exacerbations but are not the main etiologic risk factor, and alcohol is not a primary cause of COPD.
Category reason: This is a foundational question about etiology/risk factors for chronic lung disease, which is primarily tested as respiratory system science knowledge rather than a nursing intervention/prioritization scenario.

Question 26

True or False In a tension pneumothorax, tracheal deviation is a late sign.?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: False Tracheal deviation in tension pneumothorax is classically considered a late and ominous finding, occurring after significant mediastinal shift. Earlier findings can include sudden respiratory distress, hypoxia, absent breath sounds on the affected side, tachycardia, and hypotension. Because tracheal deviation may appear late or be absent, clinicians should not wait for it to treat suspected tension pneumothorax.
Category reason: This item tests recognition of clinical signs and timing in tension pneumothorax, which is a pulmonary pathophysiology concept within the Respiratory System rather than a nursing intervention/prioritization scenario.

Question 27

The site of gas exchange in the lungs is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Alveoli Alveoli are thin-walled air sacs closely surrounded by pulmonary capillaries, forming the alveolar-capillary (respiratory) membrane where O2 diffuses into blood and CO2 diffuses out. The trachea and bronchi are conducting airways that move air to and from the lungs but are not designed for diffusion. Gas exchange requires a large surface area and minimal diffusion distance, which are key features of the alveoli.
Category reason: This question tests where physiologic gas diffusion occurs within the lung, a foundational concept of respiratory anatomy and physiology, best categorized under the Respiratory System.

Question 28

COPD includes:

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Emphysema + Chronic bronchitis COPD classically encompasses chronic bronchitis (chronic productive cough due to airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion) and emphysema (alveolar wall destruction leading to air trapping and reduced gas exchange). Asthma is a distinct obstructive disease that is typically more reversible, and pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza are infectious processes rather than components of COPD. Therefore, the best definition-based pairing is emphysema plus chronic bronchitis.
Category reason: This item tests foundational knowledge of what diagnoses constitute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a core concept within disorders of the respiratory system rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization scenario.

Question 29

Which muscle helps you breathe?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Diaphragm The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration; its contraction increases thoracic volume and lowers intrathoracic pressure, drawing air into the lungs. The biceps and hamstrings are primarily involved in limb movement, not ventilation. While accessory muscles can assist in labored breathing, the diaphragm is the key muscle for normal breathing.
Category reason: This question tests foundational knowledge of the main muscle responsible for ventilation, which is core content of the Respiratory System.

Question 30

What is the primary function of the alveoli in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: To exchange gases Alveoli are the terminal air sacs where diffusion occurs across the thin alveolar-capillary membrane. Oxygen moves from the alveolar air into pulmonary capillary blood while carbon dioxide moves from blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This function depends on a large surface area and close contact with capillaries to optimize gas diffusion.
Category reason: This is testing the physiologic role of alveoli (site of gas exchange) within the respiratory system rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization decision.

Question 31

The hallmark symptom of asthma is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Wheezing. Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction from bronchospasm, mucosal edema, and increased mucus production, which narrows the airways and produces a high-pitched expiratory sound. This airflow limitation is typically episodic and may worsen at night or with triggers (allergens, exercise, cold air). Fever and weight loss suggest systemic illness rather than asthma, and chest deformity is not a defining feature of typical asthma presentations.
Category reason: This question tests a core clinical manifestation of a respiratory disorder (asthma), which is foundational biomedical knowledge categorized under the Respiratory System.

Question 32

NCLEX- Question tips: What is the common symptom of sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: snoring Obstructive sleep apnea commonly causes loud, chronic snoring due to repetitive upper-airway collapse and vibration of soft tissues during sleep. Typical associated findings include witnessed apneas, gasping/choking at night, and excessive daytime sleepiness rather than gastrointestinal symptoms or fever. Weight loss is not a symptom; instead, obesity is a common risk factor and weight loss is a management strategy that can improve severity.
Category reason: This item tests recognition of a characteristic clinical manifestation of a respiratory sleep disorder, which fits best under the Respiratory System rather than a nursing intervention/prioritization decision.

Question 33

Which arterial blood gas finding is expected during the early phase of an acute asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Respiratory alkalosis with hypocapnia Early in an acute asthma exacerbation, bronchospasm and anxiety often cause tachypnea and hyperventilation, which increases CO2 elimination and lowers PaCO2. This produces a primary respiratory alkalosis before significant ventilatory fatigue develops. As obstruction worsens and air trapping increases, PaCO2 can normalize and then rise, signaling impending respiratory failure and a shift toward respiratory acidosis.
Category reason: This question tests expected ABG changes in the early pathophysiology of an asthma attack, which is foundational respiratory physiology rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization decision.

Question 34

A 2-hour-old infant born via cesarean is grunting and has nasal flaring. What condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Cesarean delivery increases the risk of delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid because the thoracic “squeeze” of vaginal birth is absent, leading to early respiratory distress shortly after birth. Grunting and nasal flaring are common signs of increased work of breathing in this setting. Meconium aspiration is more associated with meconium-stained fluid and post-term or distressed deliveries, while neonatal pneumonia typically involves infectious risk factors and systemic signs. Respiratory distress syndrome is classically linked to prematurity and surfactant deficiency rather than a term infant delivered by cesarean at 2 hours of age.
Category reason: This question tests neonatal respiratory pathophysiology and risk factors (cesarean-related delayed lung fluid clearance) rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization decision, fitting the Respiratory System subject area.

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a common respiratory symptom of cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Cystic fibrosis commonly causes chronic productive cough, recurrent respiratory infections, and can lead to bronchiectasis due to thick airway secretions and impaired mucociliary clearance. Vomiting blood is a gastrointestinal bleeding sign (e.g., peptic ulcer disease, esophageal varices) rather than a respiratory manifestation. A related respiratory bleeding symptom would be hemoptysis, which is different from hematemesis.
Category reason: This question tests recognition of typical respiratory manifestations of cystic fibrosis versus a non-respiratory symptom, which is foundational knowledge within the Respiratory System.

Question 36

Best site for checking central cyanosis?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Central cyanosis reflects decreased arterial oxygen saturation and is best assessed on mucous membranes where blood is well oxygenated under normal conditions. The lips (and tongue/oral mucosa) show bluish discoloration when deoxygenated hemoglobin is elevated in central circulation. In contrast, hands, feet, and nails more commonly demonstrate peripheral cyanosis from reduced peripheral perfusion or vasoconstriction even when arterial oxygenation is relatively normal.
Category reason: This question tests physiologic assessment of hypoxemia and the distinction between central vs peripheral cyanosis, which is primarily a respiratory oxygenation concept.

Question 37

What is the normal oxygen saturation (SpO₂) level in a healthy adult?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: In healthy adults at sea level, peripheral oxygen saturation is typically in the mid-to-high 90s, reflecting adequate alveolar oxygenation and hemoglobin binding. Values in the 85–90% range indicate hypoxemia and usually warrant assessment and intervention depending on context. Saturations as low as 70–80% are critically low and inconsistent with normal physiology.
Category reason: This question tests normal arterial oxygenation as reflected by pulse oximetry, a core concept of respiratory gas exchange and oxygen transport within the Respiratory System.

Question 38

A 64-year-old patient is admitted with sudden shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and hemoptysis. Which additional finding most strongly supports a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A pulmonary embolism most often originates from a deep vein thrombosis in the leg, so asymmetric calf/leg swelling is a key supportive clue linking symptoms to an embolic source. The presentation of sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and hemoptysis reflects acute pulmonary vascular occlusion with possible pulmonary infarction. Bradycardia is not typical (tachycardia is more common), crackles are more suggestive of fluid/alveolar disease, and green sputum points toward bacterial pneumonia rather than embolism.
Category reason: This item tests recognition of findings supporting pulmonary embolism and its common DVT source, emphasizing respiratory/cardiopulmonary pathophysiology rather than nursing interventions or prioritization.

Question 39

Presence of pus in the pleural cavity is called?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Pus within the pleural space indicates an infected pleural effusion, most commonly as a complication of bacterial pneumonia, lung abscess, or thoracic surgery/trauma. This differs from hemothorax (blood in the pleural cavity) and pneumothorax (air in the pleural cavity), while ascites refers to fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Empyema typically requires drainage plus appropriate antibiotics to prevent loculation, sepsis, and impaired lung expansion.
Category reason: This is a definitional question about a condition involving the pleural space and lung/pleura pathology, which is core content of the Respiratory System in nursing science.

Question 40

Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN) Risk Factor Which newborn is at highest risk for transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN)?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A) Term newborn delivered via C-section TTN is primarily due to delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid after birth, leading to tachypnea shortly after delivery. Vaginal delivery helps expel lung fluid through thoracic squeeze and catecholamine-mediated absorption; this physiologic transition is reduced with cesarean delivery, especially without labor. Prematurity is more classically associated with respiratory distress syndrome from surfactant deficiency, while meconium-stained fluid raises concern for meconium aspiration syndrome. Maternal diabetes increases risk of RDS due to delayed surfactant maturation rather than TTN as the most typical association.
Category reason: This question tests risk factors and underlying mechanism for a neonatal respiratory condition (TTN), which is foundational respiratory pathophysiology rather than a nursing intervention/priority decision.

Question 41

A 30-year-old is evaluated for cough and runny nose. On examination, his throat is red and swollen. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Runny nose with cough and an erythematous, swollen throat is most consistent with a self-limited viral URI/pharyngitis. Pneumonia typically presents with systemic illness (fever), dyspnea, focal chest findings (crackles) and/or radiographic infiltrate rather than prominent rhinorrhea. Asthma is characterized by episodic wheeze and reversible airflow obstruction, not a red swollen throat. Acute bronchitis can cause cough but rhinorrhea and prominent pharyngeal erythema point more strongly to an upper respiratory viral process.
Category reason: This is a diagnosis-based question about common respiratory illnesses and their typical symptom patterns rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization decision, fitting foundational clinical science of the respiratory system.

Question 42

Case: A 26-year-old female presents with shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing that worsens at night. Spirometry shows reversible airflow obstruction after bronchodilator use. Question: What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Reversible airflow obstruction on spirometry after bronchodilator is a hallmark of asthma due to episodic bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. Nocturnal worsening with wheeze and chest tightness is also classic for asthma. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema (COPD) typically show largely irreversible obstruction, and bronchiectasis presents with chronic productive cough and recurrent infections rather than bronchodilator reversibility.
Category reason: This question tests recognition of a respiratory disease pattern using symptoms and spirometry findings, which is foundational biomedical knowledge within the Respiratory System.

Question 43

Which of the following complications is commonly monitored in CF patients?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Cystic fibrosis causes multisystem disease from thick secretions and chronic inflammation. Clinically important monitored complications include hepatobiliary disease (e.g., cholestasis/cirrhosis), cystic fibrosis–related diabetes due to pancreatic damage, and gastrointestinal/malabsorptive problems from pancreatic insufficiency and intestinal obstruction syndromes. Because each listed complication is common in CF care, the combined option is best.
Category reason: This question tests foundational understanding of cystic fibrosis as a respiratory-centered, multisystem disorder and its common medical complications, which aligns with Respiratory System content rather than nursing-priority decision-making.

Question 44

Q. Inflammation of the lungs tissue is called....?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: B. Pneumonitis The term refers broadly to inflammation of lung parenchyma (lung tissue), often due to infection, irritants, radiation, or hypersensitivity reactions. Bronchitis and bronchiolitis are inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles, respectively, which are airways rather than lung tissue. Alveolitis is inflammation specifically of the alveoli, a component of lung tissue, but the more general term for inflamed lung tissue is pneumonitis.
Category reason: This is a terminology/pathophysiology question about inflammatory conditions of lung structures, which is best classified under the Respiratory System rather than a nursing care decision.

Question 45

Increased breathing rate is termed as?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An increased rate of breathing (often with increased minute ventilation) is described as hyperventilation, which commonly lowers arterial CO2 and can contribute to respiratory alkalosis. Dyspnoea refers to the subjective sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing, not specifically an increased rate. Bradynoea indicates abnormally slow breathing, and tachycardia refers to an increased heart rate rather than breathing.
Category reason: This is a terminology/physiology question about breathing patterns and ventilation, which falls under the Respiratory System rather than nursing decision-making.

Question 46

Identify the procedure performed on a patient as shown in photograph:

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The photo shows a tracheostomy tube with a neck flange/strap exiting through a surgically created opening in the anterior neck below the larynx. This is distinct from endotracheal intubation, where a tube passes through the mouth/nose into the trachea and would not be seen exiting the neck. Cricothyroidotomy is an emergency airway through the cricothyroid membrane and typically uses a smaller, more superior incision than a standard tracheostomy. “Hyodotomy” is not a standard airway procedure used for establishing a tracheal airway in routine clinical practice.
Category reason: This question tests recognition of an airway procedure and the involved respiratory tract anatomy (trachea and surgical airway types), which is foundational biomedical knowledge rather than nursing decision-making.

Question 47

Exchange of gases takes place in

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Gas exchange occurs at the alveoli, where oxygen diffuses from inhaled air into pulmonary capillary blood and carbon dioxide diffuses from blood into the alveolar space to be exhaled. This diffusion is driven by partial pressure gradients across the thin alveolar-capillary membrane. The kidney, liver, and heart are not the primary sites of oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange with the external environment.
Category reason: This item tests where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs in the body, a core concept of pulmonary anatomy and physiology within the Respiratory System.

Question 48

Air in pleural cavity is called?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Air within the pleural space disrupts the normal negative intrapleural pressure that keeps the lung expanded, leading to partial or complete lung collapse. In contrast, pleural effusion refers to fluid in the pleural space, and hemothorax refers to blood in the pleural space. This terminology is core to understanding acute respiratory compromise and related pathophysiology.
Category reason: This item tests a definition of a respiratory condition (air in the pleural cavity), which is foundational knowledge about the Respiratory System rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization scenario.

Question 49

Inflammation of lungs is called?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The suffix “-itis” indicates inflammation, and “pneumon-” refers to the lungs, so this term denotes lung inflammation. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. Inflammation of lung tissue can occur from infections, radiation, drugs, or inhaled irritants and commonly presents with cough and dyspnea.
Category reason: This is a terminology/pathophysiology question about inflammation of a specific organ (lungs), which is foundational biomedical knowledge within the Respiratory System rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization scenario.

Question 50

Which is the site of vital gas exchange between the lungs and blood?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Gas exchange occurs across the alveolar-capillary membrane, where oxygen diffuses into pulmonary capillary blood and carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveolar air to be exhaled. The pharynx and larynx are conducting/airway structures and do not participate in diffusion with blood. The bronchi conduct air to distal airways but lack the thin, highly vascular surface specialized for diffusion.
Category reason: This question tests where pulmonary gas exchange occurs within the respiratory tract, a foundational concept of the Respiratory System rather than a nursing intervention or prioritization task.

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