CMN 578 Unit 3 Asthma, COPD, TB & Lung Cancers
(University of South Alabama) | Actual Exam Questions &
100% Correct Answers | Latest Update 2026 | Nursing
Exam Prep
1. Describe the significance of nasal flaring in a patient experiencing respiratory
distress.
Nasal flaring shows that the patient is relaxed.
Nasal flaring is a sign of a common cold.
Nasal flaring indicates increased work of breathing and respiratory
distress.
Nasal flaring is unrelated to respiratory conditions.
2. What is the priority treatment for a patient who presents with an asthma
exacerbation?
Assess asthma triggers
Apply nebulizer treatment
Prescribe albuterol PRN
Teach patient how to properly use a spacer
3. What medication is commonly used in nebulizer treatments for asthma
exacerbations?
Corticosteroids
Antihistamines
Albuterol
Beta-blockers
,4. The nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a client who is having an
acute asthma exacerbation. Which action by the nurse is the highest priority?
Initiating oxygen therapy
Providing immediate rest for the client
Administering nebulized levalbuterol
Positioning the client in high-fowler
5. What are common symptoms of a severe asthma attack?
Globally diminished breath sounds, retraction, and nasal flaring.
Chest tightness and dry cough.
Wheezing and productive cough.
Cyanosis and fever.
6. What is the definition of catamenial asthma?
A type of asthma that is related to the menstrual cycle.
A type of asthma that occurs only in children.
A type of asthma caused by allergens.
A type of asthma triggered by exercise.
7. If the nurse practitioner confirms the diagnosis of emphysema, which
treatment option would likely be prioritized in the management plan?
Corticosteroids
Antihistamines
Bronchodilators
Antibiotics
,8. A patient is having an asthma attack and the nurse is auscultating lung
sounds. Which finding could indicate the patient's condition is worsening?
Prolonged breath sounds on expiration are noted
There is an absence of wheezing
Coughing intermittently
Wheezing is auscultated in upper lungs
9. Mild asthma is described as FEV1 or Peak Flow
Normal FEV1 between exacerbations, FEV1 > 80% predicted,
FEV1/FVC=normal
FEV1 =/> 60% but < 80% predicted, FEV1/FVC reduced 5%
FEV1 < 60% predicted, FEV1/FVC reduced 5%
10. Which of the following is characteristic of stage 1 COPD?
FEV1 between 30% - 50% of predicted
FEV1 <30% or less than 50% with chronic respiratory failure
FEV1 between 50% and 80% of predicted
FEV1 greater/equal to 80% predicted
11. A patient with category C COPD is experiencing worsening symptoms
despite using a short-acting beta-agonist. What would be the most
appropriate next step in their treatment plan?
Initiate long-acting bronchodilator therapy
Refer the patient for surgery
Increase the dose of the short-acting beta-agonist
, Start corticosteroid therapy
12. Describe why the symptoms of progressive dyspnea and weight loss might
lead a nurse practitioner to suspect emphysema in a patient.
The symptoms suggest chronic bronchitis due to excessive mucus
production.
Weight loss is unrelated to respiratory conditions.
These symptoms indicate a respiratory infection that is causing
inflammation.
Progressive dyspnea and weight loss are common symptoms of
emphysema due to the destruction of lung tissue and reduced
respiratory function.
13. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is defined as a reduction in forced
expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of ≥ % from baseline
50
30
2
15
14. A patient with asthma is experiencing frequent nighttime symptoms despite
using a long-acting beta-agonist. What additional medication should the
healthcare provider consider prescribing?
Mucolytic agent
Oral corticosteroid
Inhaled corticosteroid
Short-acting beta-agonist
(University of South Alabama) | Actual Exam Questions &
100% Correct Answers | Latest Update 2026 | Nursing
Exam Prep
1. Describe the significance of nasal flaring in a patient experiencing respiratory
distress.
Nasal flaring shows that the patient is relaxed.
Nasal flaring is a sign of a common cold.
Nasal flaring indicates increased work of breathing and respiratory
distress.
Nasal flaring is unrelated to respiratory conditions.
2. What is the priority treatment for a patient who presents with an asthma
exacerbation?
Assess asthma triggers
Apply nebulizer treatment
Prescribe albuterol PRN
Teach patient how to properly use a spacer
3. What medication is commonly used in nebulizer treatments for asthma
exacerbations?
Corticosteroids
Antihistamines
Albuterol
Beta-blockers
,4. The nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a client who is having an
acute asthma exacerbation. Which action by the nurse is the highest priority?
Initiating oxygen therapy
Providing immediate rest for the client
Administering nebulized levalbuterol
Positioning the client in high-fowler
5. What are common symptoms of a severe asthma attack?
Globally diminished breath sounds, retraction, and nasal flaring.
Chest tightness and dry cough.
Wheezing and productive cough.
Cyanosis and fever.
6. What is the definition of catamenial asthma?
A type of asthma that is related to the menstrual cycle.
A type of asthma that occurs only in children.
A type of asthma caused by allergens.
A type of asthma triggered by exercise.
7. If the nurse practitioner confirms the diagnosis of emphysema, which
treatment option would likely be prioritized in the management plan?
Corticosteroids
Antihistamines
Bronchodilators
Antibiotics
,8. A patient is having an asthma attack and the nurse is auscultating lung
sounds. Which finding could indicate the patient's condition is worsening?
Prolonged breath sounds on expiration are noted
There is an absence of wheezing
Coughing intermittently
Wheezing is auscultated in upper lungs
9. Mild asthma is described as FEV1 or Peak Flow
Normal FEV1 between exacerbations, FEV1 > 80% predicted,
FEV1/FVC=normal
FEV1 =/> 60% but < 80% predicted, FEV1/FVC reduced 5%
FEV1 < 60% predicted, FEV1/FVC reduced 5%
10. Which of the following is characteristic of stage 1 COPD?
FEV1 between 30% - 50% of predicted
FEV1 <30% or less than 50% with chronic respiratory failure
FEV1 between 50% and 80% of predicted
FEV1 greater/equal to 80% predicted
11. A patient with category C COPD is experiencing worsening symptoms
despite using a short-acting beta-agonist. What would be the most
appropriate next step in their treatment plan?
Initiate long-acting bronchodilator therapy
Refer the patient for surgery
Increase the dose of the short-acting beta-agonist
, Start corticosteroid therapy
12. Describe why the symptoms of progressive dyspnea and weight loss might
lead a nurse practitioner to suspect emphysema in a patient.
The symptoms suggest chronic bronchitis due to excessive mucus
production.
Weight loss is unrelated to respiratory conditions.
These symptoms indicate a respiratory infection that is causing
inflammation.
Progressive dyspnea and weight loss are common symptoms of
emphysema due to the destruction of lung tissue and reduced
respiratory function.
13. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is defined as a reduction in forced
expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of ≥ % from baseline
50
30
2
15
14. A patient with asthma is experiencing frequent nighttime symptoms despite
using a long-acting beta-agonist. What additional medication should the
healthcare provider consider prescribing?
Mucolytic agent
Oral corticosteroid
Inhaled corticosteroid
Short-acting beta-agonist
