ATI MED SURG RESPIRATORY EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
Q&A 2026 |INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is assessing a client with respiratory distress. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 24/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Mild nasal flaring
D. Productive cough
Rationale: Oxygen saturation below 90% indicates hypoxemia
and requires urgent action.
Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
2. A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which intervention
is most appropriate?
A. Encourage high-flow oxygen
B. Promote pursed-lip breathing
C. Restrict fluid intake
D. Place in supine position
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent airway collapse
and improves ventilation.
Answer: B. Promote pursed-lip breathing
,3. A nurse is teaching about incentive spirometry. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. “I will use it once daily.”
B. “I should inhale quickly.”
C. “I will use it every hour while awake.”
D. “I will exhale into the device.”
Rationale: Incentive spirometry should be used frequently to
prevent atelectasis.
Answer: C. “I will use it every hour while awake.”
4. A client with asthma is experiencing wheezing. What is the
priority medication?
A. Corticosteroid
B. Leukotriene modifier
C. Short-acting beta agonist
D. Antibiotic
Rationale: Short-acting beta agonists provide rapid
bronchodilation.
Answer: C. Short-acting beta agonist
5. Which finding indicates a complication of pneumonia?
A. Crackles
B. Fever
,C. Pleuritic chest pain
D. Confusion
Rationale: Confusion may indicate hypoxia, especially in older
adults.
Answer: D. Confusion
6. A nurse is caring for a client post-thoracentesis. Which
finding is priority?
A. Dry cough
B. Diminished breath sounds
C. Tracheal deviation
D. Mild discomfort
Rationale: Tracheal deviation may indicate pneumothorax, a
life-threatening complication.
Answer: C. Tracheal deviation
7. A nurse is assessing ABGs: pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 50 mmHg.
Interpretation?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Rationale: Low pH and high CO₂ indicate respiratory acidosis.
Answer: C. Respiratory acidosis
, 8. Which position is best for a client with dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Fowler’s
C. Trendelenburg
D. Side-lying
Rationale: Fowler’s position promotes lung expansion.
Answer: B. Fowler’s
9. A nurse is suctioning a client. What is the maximum suction
time?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Rationale: Suctioning longer than 10–15 seconds increases
hypoxia risk.
Answer: C. 15 seconds
10. Which finding suggests pulmonary embolism?
A. Bradycardia
B. Sudden dyspnea
C. Productive cough
D. Hypertension
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
Q&A 2026 |INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is assessing a client with respiratory distress. Which
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 24/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Mild nasal flaring
D. Productive cough
Rationale: Oxygen saturation below 90% indicates hypoxemia
and requires urgent action.
Answer: B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
2. A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which intervention
is most appropriate?
A. Encourage high-flow oxygen
B. Promote pursed-lip breathing
C. Restrict fluid intake
D. Place in supine position
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent airway collapse
and improves ventilation.
Answer: B. Promote pursed-lip breathing
,3. A nurse is teaching about incentive spirometry. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. “I will use it once daily.”
B. “I should inhale quickly.”
C. “I will use it every hour while awake.”
D. “I will exhale into the device.”
Rationale: Incentive spirometry should be used frequently to
prevent atelectasis.
Answer: C. “I will use it every hour while awake.”
4. A client with asthma is experiencing wheezing. What is the
priority medication?
A. Corticosteroid
B. Leukotriene modifier
C. Short-acting beta agonist
D. Antibiotic
Rationale: Short-acting beta agonists provide rapid
bronchodilation.
Answer: C. Short-acting beta agonist
5. Which finding indicates a complication of pneumonia?
A. Crackles
B. Fever
,C. Pleuritic chest pain
D. Confusion
Rationale: Confusion may indicate hypoxia, especially in older
adults.
Answer: D. Confusion
6. A nurse is caring for a client post-thoracentesis. Which
finding is priority?
A. Dry cough
B. Diminished breath sounds
C. Tracheal deviation
D. Mild discomfort
Rationale: Tracheal deviation may indicate pneumothorax, a
life-threatening complication.
Answer: C. Tracheal deviation
7. A nurse is assessing ABGs: pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 50 mmHg.
Interpretation?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Metabolic acidosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Rationale: Low pH and high CO₂ indicate respiratory acidosis.
Answer: C. Respiratory acidosis
, 8. Which position is best for a client with dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. Fowler’s
C. Trendelenburg
D. Side-lying
Rationale: Fowler’s position promotes lung expansion.
Answer: B. Fowler’s
9. A nurse is suctioning a client. What is the maximum suction
time?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Rationale: Suctioning longer than 10–15 seconds increases
hypoxia risk.
Answer: C. 15 seconds
10. Which finding suggests pulmonary embolism?
A. Bradycardia
B. Sudden dyspnea
C. Productive cough
D. Hypertension
