NR 226 Adult Health I - Week 5 Oxygenation and Respiratory Study
Guide 2026 |Chamberlain College
1. A nurse is assessing a patient for early signs of hypoxia. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Cyanosis
B. Restlessness
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypotension
Answer: B
Rationale: Restlessness is an early sign of hypoxia. Cyanosis and bradycardia are
considered late signs of hypoxia.
2. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen via a nasal cannula. Which flow rate
should the nurse clarify with the provider to avoid suppressing the respiratory
drive?
A. 1 L/min
B. 2 L/min
C. 0.5 L/min
D. 6 L/min
Answer: D
Rationale: High flow rates of oxygen (typically above 2-4 L/min) in patients with chronic
CO2 retention can suppress their hypoxic drive to breathe.
,3. When suctioning a patient with a tracheostomy, what is the maximum
duration for each suction pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. As long as secretions are visible
C. 20 to 30 seconds
D. 10 to 15 seconds
Answer: D
Rationale: Suctioning should be limited to 10-15 seconds per pass to prevent hypoxemia
and vagal stimulation.
4. Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise concentration of
oxygen?
A. Simple face mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Nasal cannula
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: B
Rationale: The Venturi mask uses different sized adapters to deliver a specific, precise
FiO2 to the patient.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer. What
instruction should be included?
A. Exhale forcefully into the device
B. Inhale as fast as possible to reach the goal
C. Use the device once every 4 hours
D. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
Answer: D
Rationale: Incentive spirometry requires slow, deep inhalations to expand alveoli and
prevent atelectasis.
, 6. While assessing a patient’s pulse oximetry, the nurse notes a reading of 88%.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Check the probe placement and patient’s skin temperature
B. Call the physician immediately
C. Increase the oxygen flow rate
D. Document the finding as normal
Answer: A
Rationale: The first action is to assess the equipment and patient factors (like cold hands
or poor probe placement) that might cause an inaccurate reading.
7. Which positioning is most beneficial for a patient experiencing acute
dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Orthopneic or High-Fowler’s
C. Trendelenburg
D. Sims position
Answer: B
Rationale: The Orthopneic or High-Fowler’s position allows for maximum lung expansion
and eases the work of breathing.
8. What is the primary purpose of pursed-lip breathing in a patient with
emphysema?
A. To strengthen the diaphragm
B. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
C. To increase the respiratory rate
D. To decrease the amount of oxygen inspired
Answer: B
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways, keeping them open
longer to allow for more complete exhalation of trapped air.
Guide 2026 |Chamberlain College
1. A nurse is assessing a patient for early signs of hypoxia. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Cyanosis
B. Restlessness
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypotension
Answer: B
Rationale: Restlessness is an early sign of hypoxia. Cyanosis and bradycardia are
considered late signs of hypoxia.
2. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen via a nasal cannula. Which flow rate
should the nurse clarify with the provider to avoid suppressing the respiratory
drive?
A. 1 L/min
B. 2 L/min
C. 0.5 L/min
D. 6 L/min
Answer: D
Rationale: High flow rates of oxygen (typically above 2-4 L/min) in patients with chronic
CO2 retention can suppress their hypoxic drive to breathe.
,3. When suctioning a patient with a tracheostomy, what is the maximum
duration for each suction pass?
A. 5 seconds
B. As long as secretions are visible
C. 20 to 30 seconds
D. 10 to 15 seconds
Answer: D
Rationale: Suctioning should be limited to 10-15 seconds per pass to prevent hypoxemia
and vagal stimulation.
4. Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise concentration of
oxygen?
A. Simple face mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Nasal cannula
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: B
Rationale: The Venturi mask uses different sized adapters to deliver a specific, precise
FiO2 to the patient.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer. What
instruction should be included?
A. Exhale forcefully into the device
B. Inhale as fast as possible to reach the goal
C. Use the device once every 4 hours
D. Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
Answer: D
Rationale: Incentive spirometry requires slow, deep inhalations to expand alveoli and
prevent atelectasis.
, 6. While assessing a patient’s pulse oximetry, the nurse notes a reading of 88%.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Check the probe placement and patient’s skin temperature
B. Call the physician immediately
C. Increase the oxygen flow rate
D. Document the finding as normal
Answer: A
Rationale: The first action is to assess the equipment and patient factors (like cold hands
or poor probe placement) that might cause an inaccurate reading.
7. Which positioning is most beneficial for a patient experiencing acute
dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Orthopneic or High-Fowler’s
C. Trendelenburg
D. Sims position
Answer: B
Rationale: The Orthopneic or High-Fowler’s position allows for maximum lung expansion
and eases the work of breathing.
8. What is the primary purpose of pursed-lip breathing in a patient with
emphysema?
A. To strengthen the diaphragm
B. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
C. To increase the respiratory rate
D. To decrease the amount of oxygen inspired
Answer: B
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure in the airways, keeping them open
longer to allow for more complete exhalation of trapped air.
