Comprehensive Nursing and Biomedical Overview of Respiratory Physiology, Pulmonary Disorders, Dyspnea, Hypoxemia, Hypercapnia, Kussmaul and Cheyne-Stokes Respirations, Asthma, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Pulmonary Edema, Pneumothorax, Pleura

Comprehensive Nursing and Biomedical Overview of Respiratory Physiology, Pulmonary Disorders, Dyspnea, Hypoxemia, Hypercapnia, Kussmaul and Cheyne-Stokes Respirations, Asthma, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Pulmonary Edema, Pneumothorax, Pleural Effusion, Empyema, ARDS, Ventilation-Perfusion Mismatch, Antibiotics, Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Microbial Resistance, Viral Replication, Gene Therapy, Genetic Engineering, Transgenic Organisms, Recombinant DNA Technology, Cloning, PCR, and Molecular Diagnostics Exam Questions Verified and Provided with A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 A 10-year-old develops pneumonia. Physical exam reveals subcostal and intercostal retractions. The child reports that breathing is difficult with feelings that, "I cannot get enough air." What term should the nurse use to document this condition? a. Cyanosis b. Dyspnea c. Hyperpnea d. Orthopnea B Dyspnea is defined as "a subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations that vary in intensity." Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration to the skin. Hyperpnea is an increased ventilatory rate and orthopnea is dyspnea that occurs when an individual lies flat. A 20-year-old presents reporting difficulty breathing when lying down. What term should the nurse use to document this condition? a. Dyspnea b. Orthopnea c. Apnea d. Tachypnea B Orthopnea is dyspnea that occurs when an individual lies flat. Dyspnea is shortness of breath that occurs with activity. Apnea is cessation of breathing, and tachypnea is rapid breathing. A nurse is reviewing the results of an arterial blood gas (ABG) and finds reduced oxygenation of arterial blood. What term should the nurse use to describe this condition? a. Ischemia b. Hypoxia c. Hypoxemia d. Hypocapnia C Hypoxemia is a reduction of oxygen in arterial blood. Ischemia is a lack of blood supply to tissues. Hypoxia is reduced oxygen in tissues. Hypocapnia is decreased CO2. What type of breathing will the nurse observe while assessing a patient experiencing both metabolic acidosis and Kussmaul respirations? a. Audible wheezing or stridor b. Increased rate, large tidal volumes, and no expiratory pause c. Rapid respirations with periods of apnea d. Very slow inhalations and rapid expirations B Kussmaul respirations are characterized by a slightly increased ventilatory rate, very large tidal volumes, and no expiratory pause. Audible wheezing is usually associated with conditions such as asthma, and stridor indicates a narrowed airway. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by alternating periods of deep and shallow breathing, with periods of apnea lasting from 15 to 60 seconds. Kussmaul respirations do not have slow inhalations; bronchiolar disorders have these characteristics. As a result of a severe head injury, a patient is now experiencing respiratory abnormalities characterized by alternating periods of deep and shallow breathing with periods of apnea. What term should the nurse use when charting this condition? a. Cheyne-Stokes b. Frank-Starling c. Apnea d. Orthopnea A Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by alternating periods of deep and shallow breathing, with periods of apnea lasting from 15 to 60 seconds. Frank-Starling is related to the stretch of fibers. Apnea is cessation of respirations. Orthopnea is dyspnea that occurs when an individual lies flat. Which of the following lab values would the nurse expect in a patient who has sustained trauma to the lungs and chest wall and is experiencing respiratory failure? a. Electrolyte imbalances b. Elevated PaCO2 c. Low hematocrit d. Elevated pH B In respiratory failure, inadequate gas exchange occurs such that PaO2 £ 60 mm Hg or PaCO2 ³ 50 mm Hg with pH £ 7.25. Electrolyte imbalances do not occur, but changes in blood gas values do. Hematocrit may be unaffected. pH will