© 2026/27 Qs & Ans
Respiratory Care and Oxygenation Exam
Questions And 100% Correct Answers With
Verified Rationales | Instant Pdf Download
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with hypoxia. Which symptom is an early
sign of hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis
B. Bradycardia
C. Restlessness
D. Hypotension
Answer: C. Restlessness
Rationale: Early signs of hypoxia include restlessness, anxiety, and
confusion due to decreased oxygen delivery to the brain.
2. Which device delivers the highest concentration of oxygen?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Nonrebreather mask
D. Venturi mask
Answer: C. Nonrebreather mask
Rationale: A nonrebreather mask can deliver up to 95–100% oxygen when
used properly.
1
, © 2026/27 Qs & Ans
3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should
receive oxygen cautiously because:
A. Oxygen causes severe hypertension
B. High oxygen levels may suppress respiratory drive
C. Oxygen increases mucus production
D. Oxygen decreases heart rate excessively
Answer: B. High oxygen levels may suppress respiratory drive
Rationale: Some COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive for respiration, and
excessive oxygen may reduce respiratory stimulation.
4. Which assessment finding indicates respiratory distress?
A. Respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Oxygen saturation of 98%
D. Clear lung sounds
Answer: B. Use of accessory muscles
Rationale: Accessory muscle use suggests increased work of breathing and
respiratory distress.
5. Which position best promotes lung expansion?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
2
, © 2026/27 Qs & Ans
C. High Fowler’s
D. Sims’ position
Answer: C. High Fowler’s
Rationale: High Fowler’s position maximizes chest expansion and improves
ventilation.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. Which assessment
finding is expected?
A. Bradycardia
B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
D. Peripheral edema only
Answer: B. Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Pneumonia causes fluid and inflammation in the alveoli,
producing crackles.
7. Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise oxygen
concentration?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Venturi mask
C. Nonrebreather mask
D. Face tent
3
, © 2026/27 Qs & Ans
Answer: B. Venturi mask
Rationale: Venturi masks deliver precise oxygen concentrations and are
commonly used in COPD patients.
8. Which finding indicates effective oxygenation?
A. Cyanosis
B. Restlessness
C. Oxygen saturation 97%
D. Nasal flaring
Answer: C. Oxygen saturation 97%
Rationale: Oxygen saturation levels above 95% generally indicate adequate
oxygenation.
9. A patient with asthma is wheezing and short of breath. Which
medication should the nurse expect to administer first?
A. Furosemide
B. Albuterol
C. Digoxin
D. Warfarin
Answer: B. Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that rapidly relieves
bronchospasm during asthma attacks.
4
Respiratory Care and Oxygenation Exam
Questions And 100% Correct Answers With
Verified Rationales | Instant Pdf Download
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with hypoxia. Which symptom is an early
sign of hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis
B. Bradycardia
C. Restlessness
D. Hypotension
Answer: C. Restlessness
Rationale: Early signs of hypoxia include restlessness, anxiety, and
confusion due to decreased oxygen delivery to the brain.
2. Which device delivers the highest concentration of oxygen?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Nonrebreather mask
D. Venturi mask
Answer: C. Nonrebreather mask
Rationale: A nonrebreather mask can deliver up to 95–100% oxygen when
used properly.
1
, © 2026/27 Qs & Ans
3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should
receive oxygen cautiously because:
A. Oxygen causes severe hypertension
B. High oxygen levels may suppress respiratory drive
C. Oxygen increases mucus production
D. Oxygen decreases heart rate excessively
Answer: B. High oxygen levels may suppress respiratory drive
Rationale: Some COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive for respiration, and
excessive oxygen may reduce respiratory stimulation.
4. Which assessment finding indicates respiratory distress?
A. Respiratory rate of 14 breaths/min
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Oxygen saturation of 98%
D. Clear lung sounds
Answer: B. Use of accessory muscles
Rationale: Accessory muscle use suggests increased work of breathing and
respiratory distress.
5. Which position best promotes lung expansion?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
2
, © 2026/27 Qs & Ans
C. High Fowler’s
D. Sims’ position
Answer: C. High Fowler’s
Rationale: High Fowler’s position maximizes chest expansion and improves
ventilation.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. Which assessment
finding is expected?
A. Bradycardia
B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
D. Peripheral edema only
Answer: B. Crackles in the lungs
Rationale: Pneumonia causes fluid and inflammation in the alveoli,
producing crackles.
7. Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise oxygen
concentration?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Venturi mask
C. Nonrebreather mask
D. Face tent
3
, © 2026/27 Qs & Ans
Answer: B. Venturi mask
Rationale: Venturi masks deliver precise oxygen concentrations and are
commonly used in COPD patients.
8. Which finding indicates effective oxygenation?
A. Cyanosis
B. Restlessness
C. Oxygen saturation 97%
D. Nasal flaring
Answer: C. Oxygen saturation 97%
Rationale: Oxygen saturation levels above 95% generally indicate adequate
oxygenation.
9. A patient with asthma is wheezing and short of breath. Which
medication should the nurse expect to administer first?
A. Furosemide
B. Albuterol
C. Digoxin
D. Warfarin
Answer: B. Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that rapidly relieves
bronchospasm during asthma attacks.
4
