NU 311 Skills Exam 4 (Latest Update 2026 /
2027) Questions & Answers {Grade A}
100% Correct
What is an incentive spirometer? How do you teach a patient to use it? What is the
purpose? - correct answer · Incentive spirometer helps a patient deep breathe, it
works by providing visual feedback that helps encourage the patient to take long, deep,
slow breaths • The use of this alone is not recommended to prevent postoperative
pulmonary complications; should be used in combination with other pulmonary
maneuvers, such as deep breathing, coughing, and early mobilization • Position patient
in most erect position, high fowlers; instruct patient to exhale normally and completely
through the mouth, and place lips tightly around mouthpiece.
,· Instruct to take a slow deep breath and maintain constant flow, like pulling through a
straw. Inhalation should raise the ball.
· Remove mouthpiece and have patient hold their breath for 3 seconds and exhale
normally.
· Have them repeat and use frequency as prescribed; up to 30 deep breaths with 30-60
second rests between sets of 10.
What is chest physiotherapy?
Be familiar with how it is performed.
Why is it performed? (you do NOT have to know positioning for draining specific parts
of the lung) - correct answer · Percussion/Vibrations: loosens secretions and remove
,from patient's airway; Postural Drainage; usually followed by productive coughing or
suctioning to remove secretions; requires specific positioning of the patient
· Do in short periods and with rest periods, and NOT immediately after a patient has
finished a meal
· Stop all continuous gastric tube feedings 30-45 mins prior
· Check for residual feeding in patient's stomach; if greater than 100 mL; hold
treatment.
Be familiar with how and why to perform oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal,
nasotracheal suctioning. What are the indications for discontinuing suctioning/trach
care? - correct answer · Oropharyngeal: A Yankauer or tonsillar tip is used; removes
secretions through a patient's mouth; only removes secretions from the BACK of the
, throat; perform when a patient is able to cough effectively BUT is unable to clear
secretions such as patient's with artificial airway or impaired swallowing; STOP
suctioning if patient's SpO2 falls below 90%
· Nasopharyngeal: Insert as patient takes a deep breath, if resistant is met, you may
need to try the other nares; apply intermittent suctioning for no more than 10-15
seconds
· Nasotracheal: as patient takes a deep breath quickly insert catheter; as patient begins
to cough pull back 1-2 cm (1/2 inch) before applying suctioning;
indications for discontinuing suctioning - correct answer 1. Patient has decrease in
overall cardiopulmonary status as evidenced by decreased SpO2, increased ETCO2,
continued tachypnea, continued increased work of breathing, and cardiac
dysrhythmias.
2. Bloody secretions are returned after suctioning.
3. Patient has paroxysms of coughing or bronchospasm.
2027) Questions & Answers {Grade A}
100% Correct
What is an incentive spirometer? How do you teach a patient to use it? What is the
purpose? - correct answer · Incentive spirometer helps a patient deep breathe, it
works by providing visual feedback that helps encourage the patient to take long, deep,
slow breaths • The use of this alone is not recommended to prevent postoperative
pulmonary complications; should be used in combination with other pulmonary
maneuvers, such as deep breathing, coughing, and early mobilization • Position patient
in most erect position, high fowlers; instruct patient to exhale normally and completely
through the mouth, and place lips tightly around mouthpiece.
,· Instruct to take a slow deep breath and maintain constant flow, like pulling through a
straw. Inhalation should raise the ball.
· Remove mouthpiece and have patient hold their breath for 3 seconds and exhale
normally.
· Have them repeat and use frequency as prescribed; up to 30 deep breaths with 30-60
second rests between sets of 10.
What is chest physiotherapy?
Be familiar with how it is performed.
Why is it performed? (you do NOT have to know positioning for draining specific parts
of the lung) - correct answer · Percussion/Vibrations: loosens secretions and remove
,from patient's airway; Postural Drainage; usually followed by productive coughing or
suctioning to remove secretions; requires specific positioning of the patient
· Do in short periods and with rest periods, and NOT immediately after a patient has
finished a meal
· Stop all continuous gastric tube feedings 30-45 mins prior
· Check for residual feeding in patient's stomach; if greater than 100 mL; hold
treatment.
Be familiar with how and why to perform oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal,
nasotracheal suctioning. What are the indications for discontinuing suctioning/trach
care? - correct answer · Oropharyngeal: A Yankauer or tonsillar tip is used; removes
secretions through a patient's mouth; only removes secretions from the BACK of the
, throat; perform when a patient is able to cough effectively BUT is unable to clear
secretions such as patient's with artificial airway or impaired swallowing; STOP
suctioning if patient's SpO2 falls below 90%
· Nasopharyngeal: Insert as patient takes a deep breath, if resistant is met, you may
need to try the other nares; apply intermittent suctioning for no more than 10-15
seconds
· Nasotracheal: as patient takes a deep breath quickly insert catheter; as patient begins
to cough pull back 1-2 cm (1/2 inch) before applying suctioning;
indications for discontinuing suctioning - correct answer 1. Patient has decrease in
overall cardiopulmonary status as evidenced by decreased SpO2, increased ETCO2,
continued tachypnea, continued increased work of breathing, and cardiac
dysrhythmias.
2. Bloody secretions are returned after suctioning.
3. Patient has paroxysms of coughing or bronchospasm.
