NURS 3304 Respiratory Exam Questions with Correct Answers Latest Update 2026/2027
Normal V/Q ratio - Answers 0.8-1.0
Primary function of surfactant - Answers Reduces alveolar surface tension, increases lung
compliance, prevents alveolar collapse.
Lung more prone to aspiration - Answers Right lung (especially lower/middle lobes) — right
main bronchus is straighter and wider.
Obstructive lung disease - Answers "Trouble getting air OUT" due to airway narrowing or
obstruction.
Restrictive lung disease - Answers "Trouble getting air IN" due to ↓ compliance or external
restriction.
Spirometry pattern of obstructive lung disease - Answers ↓ FEV₁, ↓ FEV₁/FVC ratio, ↑ RV, ↑ TLC.
Spirometry pattern of restrictive lung disease - Answers ↓ FVC, normal/↑ FEV₁/FVC ratio, ↓ TLC,
↓ RV.
Classic signs of pneumothorax - Answers Sudden dyspnea, unilateral absent breath sounds,
tracheal deviation (tension).
Type of hypersensitivity in asthma - Answers Type I (IgE-mediated).
Hallmark findings of emphysema - Answers Barrel chest and hyperinflated lungs due to air
trapping.
Earliest feature of chronic bronchitis - Answers Hypersecretion of mucus in the large airways.
ABG in COPD exacerbation - Answers Respiratory acidosis (↓ pH, ↑ PaCO₂, ↑ HCO₃ if
compensated).
Distinction between ARDS and pneumonia - Answers ARDS = refractory hypoxemia + stiff lungs
(↓ compliance).
Cause of cor pulmonale - Answers Pulmonary hypertension from chronic lung disease → right
heart failure.
Disorder with sudden SOB, chest pain, tachycardia, and hypoxemia - Answers Pulmonary
embolism.
Key nursing interventions for atelectasis prevention - Answers Incentive spirometry and early
ambulation.
Caution with O₂ in COPD - Answers Their drive to breathe is hypoxic — excess O₂ can suppress
respiration.
Normal V/Q ratio - Answers 0.8-1.0
Primary function of surfactant - Answers Reduces alveolar surface tension, increases lung
compliance, prevents alveolar collapse.
Lung more prone to aspiration - Answers Right lung (especially lower/middle lobes) — right
main bronchus is straighter and wider.
Obstructive lung disease - Answers "Trouble getting air OUT" due to airway narrowing or
obstruction.
Restrictive lung disease - Answers "Trouble getting air IN" due to ↓ compliance or external
restriction.
Spirometry pattern of obstructive lung disease - Answers ↓ FEV₁, ↓ FEV₁/FVC ratio, ↑ RV, ↑ TLC.
Spirometry pattern of restrictive lung disease - Answers ↓ FVC, normal/↑ FEV₁/FVC ratio, ↓ TLC,
↓ RV.
Classic signs of pneumothorax - Answers Sudden dyspnea, unilateral absent breath sounds,
tracheal deviation (tension).
Type of hypersensitivity in asthma - Answers Type I (IgE-mediated).
Hallmark findings of emphysema - Answers Barrel chest and hyperinflated lungs due to air
trapping.
Earliest feature of chronic bronchitis - Answers Hypersecretion of mucus in the large airways.
ABG in COPD exacerbation - Answers Respiratory acidosis (↓ pH, ↑ PaCO₂, ↑ HCO₃ if
compensated).
Distinction between ARDS and pneumonia - Answers ARDS = refractory hypoxemia + stiff lungs
(↓ compliance).
Cause of cor pulmonale - Answers Pulmonary hypertension from chronic lung disease → right
heart failure.
Disorder with sudden SOB, chest pain, tachycardia, and hypoxemia - Answers Pulmonary
embolism.
Key nursing interventions for atelectasis prevention - Answers Incentive spirometry and early
ambulation.
Caution with O₂ in COPD - Answers Their drive to breathe is hypoxic — excess O₂ can suppress
respiration.
