NSG 122 Exam 4 V3 | NSG 122 Nursing
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026
Q&A with Rationale (Herzing NSG122
Exam 4 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with hypoxia. Which of the following
clinical findings should the nurse expect to observe first?
A. Cyanosis of the nail beds
B. Bradypnea
C. Bradycardia
D. Restlessness and apprehension
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Restlessness is an early sign of hypoxia because the brain is sensitive to
decreased oxygen levels. Cyanosis is a late sign that indicates significant desaturation.
Tachycardia and tachypnea are typically seen before bradycardia or bradypnea in the
progression of respiratory distress.
2. A nurse is teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer. Which instruction should
the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Hold your breath for at least 3 to 5 seconds after inhalation.
B. Exhale forcefully into the device.
,C. Repeat the steps 20 to 30 times every hour while awake.
D. Perform the exercises only when feeling short of breath.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Holding the breath after maximal inspiration allows the alveoli to stay open and
improves gas exchange. The client should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
rather than exhaling into it. The goal is typically 5 to 10 repetitions per hour to prevent
atelectasis.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who requires oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which of
the following is a priority nursing action?
A. Check the skin behind the ears for breakdown.
B. Clean the cannula prongs with alcohol every 4 hours.
C. Apply humidification to the oxygen source.
D. Instruct the client to breathe only through their nose.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Skin breakdown is a common complication of oxygen delivery devices due to
constant pressure. The nurse must inspect the skin behind the ears and around the nares
frequently to ensure integrity. Humidification is typically reserved for flow rates greater
than 4 L/min.
, 4. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform first when a client’s pulse
oximetry reading drops from 94% to 88%?
A. Notify the provider immediately.
B. Administer a PRN dose of albuterol.
C. Confirm probe placement and check the client’s status.
D. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first step in the nursing process is assessment. The nurse must verify that
the equipment is functioning correctly and assess the client’s clinical presentation. If the
equipment is accurate, then interventions like encouraging deep breathing or notifying the
provider would follow.
5. A nurse is performing tracheal suctioning for a client. Which action is appropriate during
the procedure?
A. Apply suction while inserting the catheter.
B. Limit total suctioning time to 5 minutes per session.
C. Use clean technique for the procedure.
D. Suction for no longer than 10 to 15 seconds at a time.
Correct Answer: D
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026
Q&A with Rationale (Herzing NSG122
Exam 4 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with hypoxia. Which of the following
clinical findings should the nurse expect to observe first?
A. Cyanosis of the nail beds
B. Bradypnea
C. Bradycardia
D. Restlessness and apprehension
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Restlessness is an early sign of hypoxia because the brain is sensitive to
decreased oxygen levels. Cyanosis is a late sign that indicates significant desaturation.
Tachycardia and tachypnea are typically seen before bradycardia or bradypnea in the
progression of respiratory distress.
2. A nurse is teaching a client how to use an incentive spirometer. Which instruction should
the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Hold your breath for at least 3 to 5 seconds after inhalation.
B. Exhale forcefully into the device.
,C. Repeat the steps 20 to 30 times every hour while awake.
D. Perform the exercises only when feeling short of breath.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Holding the breath after maximal inspiration allows the alveoli to stay open and
improves gas exchange. The client should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece
rather than exhaling into it. The goal is typically 5 to 10 repetitions per hour to prevent
atelectasis.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who requires oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which of
the following is a priority nursing action?
A. Check the skin behind the ears for breakdown.
B. Clean the cannula prongs with alcohol every 4 hours.
C. Apply humidification to the oxygen source.
D. Instruct the client to breathe only through their nose.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Skin breakdown is a common complication of oxygen delivery devices due to
constant pressure. The nurse must inspect the skin behind the ears and around the nares
frequently to ensure integrity. Humidification is typically reserved for flow rates greater
than 4 L/min.
, 4. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform first when a client’s pulse
oximetry reading drops from 94% to 88%?
A. Notify the provider immediately.
B. Administer a PRN dose of albuterol.
C. Confirm probe placement and check the client’s status.
D. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first step in the nursing process is assessment. The nurse must verify that
the equipment is functioning correctly and assess the client’s clinical presentation. If the
equipment is accurate, then interventions like encouraging deep breathing or notifying the
provider would follow.
5. A nurse is performing tracheal suctioning for a client. Which action is appropriate during
the procedure?
A. Apply suction while inserting the catheter.
B. Limit total suctioning time to 5 minutes per session.
C. Use clean technique for the procedure.
D. Suction for no longer than 10 to 15 seconds at a time.
Correct Answer: D
