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Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse is caring for a patient with acute respiratory failure and identifies “Risk for
Ineffective Airway Clearance” as a nursing diagnosis. A nursing intervention relevant to this
diagnosis is:
a. Elevate head of bed to 30 degrees.
b. Obtain order for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.
c. Provide adequate sedation.
d. Reposition patient every 2 hours.
ANS: D
Repositioning the patient will facilitate mobilization of secretions. Elevating the head of bed
is an intervention to prevent infection. Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is ordered to
prevent complications of immobility. Sedation is an intervention to manage anxiety, and
administration of sedatives increases the risk for retained secretions.
2. The patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) would exhibit which of the
following symptoms?
a. Decreasing PaO2 levels despite increased FiO2 administration
b. Elevated alveolar surfactant levels
c. Increased lung compliance with increased FiO2 administration
d. Respiratory acidosis associated with hyperventilation
ANS: A
Patients with ARDS often have hypoxemia refractory to treatment. Surfactant levels are often
diminished in ARDS. Compliance decreases in ARDS. In early ARDS, hyperventilation may
occur along with respiratory alkalosis.
3. The nurse assesses a patient who is admitted for an overdose of sedatives. The nurse expects
to find which acid-base alteration?
a. Hyperventilation and respiratory acidosis
b. Hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis
c. Hypoventilation and respiratory alkalosis
d. Respiratory acidosis and normal oxygen levels
ANS: B
Hypoventilation is common after overdose and results in impaired elimination of carbon
dioxide and respiratory acidosis. The overdose depresses the respiratory drive, which results
in hypoventilation, not hyperventilation. Hypoxemia is expected secondary to depressed
respirations.
6. In assessing a patient, the nurse understands that an early sign of hypoxemia is:
a. clubbing of nail beds
b. cyanosis
c. hypotension
d. restlessness
ANS: D
Central nervous system signs, such as restlessness, are early indications of low oxygen levels.
Clubbing is a sign of chronic hypoxemia. Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxemia. Tachycardia
and increased blood pressure, not hypotension, may be seen early in hypoxemia.
7. The basic underlying pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome results from:
a. a decrease in the number of white blood cells available.
b. damage to the right mainstem bronchus.
c. damage to the type II pneumocytes, which produce surfactant.
d. decreased capillary permeability.
ANS: C
Acute respiratory distress syndrome results in damage to the pneumocytes, increased capillary
permeability, and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.
8. The nurse is caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome who is hypoxemic
despite mechanical ventilation. The physician orders a nontraditional ventilator mode as part
of treatment. Despite sedation and analgesia, the patient remains restless and appears to be in
discomfort. The nurse informs the physician of this assessment and anticipates an order for:
a. continuous lateral rotation therapy.
b. guided imagery.
c. neuromuscular blockade.
d. prone positioning.
ANS: C
Paralysis and additional sedation may be needed if the patient requires nontraditional
ventilation. Guided imagery is an excellent non-pharmacological approach to manage anxiety;
however, the non-traditional mode of ventilation usually requires that the patient receive
neuromuscular blockade. Prone positioning is a treatment for refractory hypoxemia but not
indicated until the neuromuscular blockade has been tried.
10. Which of the following acid-base disturbances commonly occurs with the hyperventilation
and impaired gas exchange seen in severe exacerbation of asthma?
a. Metabolic acidosis
b. Metabolic alkalosis
c. Respiratory acidosis
d. Respiratory alkalosis
ANS: C
Although the patient with a severe exacerbation of asthma hyperventilates, gas exchange is
impaired, which causes respiratory acidosis.
12. The nurse is discharging a patient home following treatment for community-acquired
pneumonia. As part of the discharge teaching, the nurse instructs:
a. “If you get the pneumococcal vaccine, you’ll never get pneumonia again.”
b. “It is important for you to get an annual influenza shot to reduce your risk of
pneumonia.”
c. “Stay away from cold, drafty places because that increases your risk of pneumonia
when you get home.”
d. “Since you have been treated for pneumonia, you now have immunity from getting
it in the future.”
ANS: B
The influenza vaccine reduces the risk of pneumonia by over a half. The pneumococcal
vaccine is important but only protects against pneumococcal infection. Cold, drafty
environments will not cause infection. Immunity for pneumonia does not occur as a result of
getting it.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: p. 419
OBJ: Formulate a plan of care for the patient with ARF.
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
13. The nurse is discharging a patient with asthma. As part of the discharge instruction, the nurse
instructs the patient to prevent exacerbation by:
a. obtaining an appointment for follow-up pulmonary function studies 1 week after
discharge.
b. limiting activity until patient is able to climb two flights of stairs.
c. taking all asthma medications as prescribed.
d. taking medications on a “prn” basis according to symptoms.
ANS: C
Exacerbation of asthma is often related to not adhering to the therapeutic regimen; patient
teaching is essential. Follow-up studies will be determined by the physician. Activity is based
on the patient’s activity tolerance and is not limited. Medications are taken regularly to avoid
exacerbation. Only rescue medications are used on a prn basis.
14. The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Which assessment would be a cue to the patient developing postoperative
pneumonia?
a. Bradycardia
b. Change in sputum characteristics
c. Hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis
d. Pursed-lip breathing
ANS: B
Change in the character of sputum may signal the development of a respiratory infection in
the patient with COPD. Additional symptoms include anxiety, wheezing, chest tightness,
tachypnea, tachycardia, fatigue, malaise, confusion, fever, and sleeping difficulties.
15. The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The nurse
understands that the most common cause of a pulmonary embolus is:
a. amniotic fluid embolus.
b. deep vein thrombosis from lower extremities.
c. fat embolus from a long bone fracture.
d. vegetation that dislodges from an infected central venous catheter.
ANS: B
The most common cause of a pulmonary embolus is deep vein thrombosis. The other
responses are less common causes.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 423
OBJ: Describe methods for assessing the patient with ARF.
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
16. The nurse is concerned that a patient is at increased risk of developing a pulmonary embolus
and develops a plan of care for prevention to include which of the following?
a. Antiseptic oral care
b. Bed rest with head of bed elevated
c. Coughing and deep breathing
d. Mobility
ANS: D
Mobility helps to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. Oral care, head of
bed elevation, and coughing and deep breathing assist in preventing pneumonia.
17. Which of the following statements is true regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) and
pulmonary embolus (PE)?
a. PE should be suspected in any patient who has unexplained cardiorespiratory
complaints and risk factors for VTE.
b. Bradycardia and hyperventilation are classic symptoms of PE.
c. Dyspnea, chest pain, and hemoptysis occur in nearly all patients with PE.
d. Most critically ill patients are at low risk for VTE and PE and do not require
prophylaxis.
ANS: A
PE should be suspected in any patient who has unexplained cardiorespiratory complaints and
risk factors for VTE. Dyspnea, hemoptysis, and chest pain have been called the "classic" signs
and symptoms for PE, but the three signs and symptoms actually occur in less than 20% of
cases. Bradycardia and hyperventilation are not classic signs of PE. Most critically ill patients
are at high risk for VTE and all should receive prophylaxis.
18. A patient at high risk for pulmonary embolism is receiving Lovenox. The nurse explains to the
patient:
a. “I’m going to contact the pharmacist to see if you can take this medication by
mouth.”
b. “This injection is being given to prevent blood clots from forming.”
c. “This medication will dissolve any blood clots you might get.”
d. “You should not be receiving this medication. I will contact the physician to get it
stopped.”
ANS: B
Lovenox, or low–molecular weight heparin, is recommended for patients at high risk for PE.
This patient is at high risk and the medication is indicated. It is given subcutaneously, not by
mouth. The drug prevents clots from forming but does not dissolve them.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 424 | Box 14-7
OBJ: Discuss medical management of the patient with ARF.
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
20. A strategy for preventing thromboembolism in patients at risk who cannot take anticoagulants
is:
a. administration of two aspirin tablets every 4 hours.
b. infusion of thrombolytics.
c. insertion of a vena cava filter.
d. subcutaneous heparin administration every 12 hours.
ANS: C
A filter may be inserted as a prevention measure in patients who are at high risk for
thromboembolism. Aspirin is not a preventive therapy. Thrombolytics are given to treat, not
prevent, pulmonary embolism. Heparin is administered as a prophylaxis in acute care settings.
Coumadin is given for long-term prevention in patients at high risk for VTE.
21. Which of the following treatments may be used to dissolve a thrombus that is lodged in the
pulmonary artery?
a. Aspirin
b. Embolectomy
c. Heparin
d. Thrombolytics
ANS: D
Thrombolytics are useful in the management of pulmonary embolus and are given to dissolve
the clot. Heparin will prevent further clot formation, but it will not dissolve the clot. Aspirin is
not a thrombolytic agent. An embolectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the clot. Heparin
will prevent further clot formation, but it will not dissolve the clot.
22. The nurse is assessing a patient. Which assessment would cue the nurse to the potential of
acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
a. Increased oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry
b. Increased peak inspiratory pressure on the ventilator
c. Normal chest radiograph with enlarged cardiac structures
d. PaO2/FiO2 ratio > 300
ANS: B
Increased peak inspiratory pressures are often early indicators of ARDS. Oxygen saturation
decreases in ARDS. Chest x-ray study will show progressive infiltrates. In ARDS, a
PaO2/FiO2 ratio less than 200 is a criterion.
23. The nurse calculates the PaO2/FiO2 ratio for the following values: PaO2 is 78 mm Hg; FiO2 is
0.6 (60%).
a. 46.8; meets criteria for ARDS
b. 130; meets criteria for ARDS
c. 468; normal lung function
d. Not enough data to compute the ratio
ANS: B
78/0.60 = 130, which meets the criteria for ARDS.
24. The nurse is assessing a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome. An expected
assessment is:
a. cardiac output of 10 L/min and low systemic vascular resistance.
b. PAOP of 10 mm Hg and PaO2 of 55.
c. PAOP of 20 mm Hg and cardiac output of 3 L/min.
d. PAOP of 5 mm Hg and high systemic vascular resistance.
ANS: B
A normal PAOP with hypoxemia is an expected assessment finding in ARDS. Cardiac output
of 10 L/min and low systemic vascular resistance are expected findings in sepsis. PAOP of 20
mm Hg and cardiac output of 3 L/min are expected findings in heart failure. PAOP of 5 mm
Hg and high systemic vascular resistance are expected findings in hypovolemic shock.
26. During rounds, the physician alerts the team that proning is being considered for a patient
with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The nurse understands that proning is:
a. an optional treatment if the PaO2/FiO2 ratio is less 100.
b. less of a risk for skin breakdown because the patient is face down.
c. possible with minimal help from co-workers.
d. used to provide continuous lateral rotational turning.
ANS: A
Proning is considered if the PaO2/FiO2 ratio is low. The patient is not responding to treatment,
and all options should be considered. The patient remains at risk for skin breakdown due to
immobility; during proning, the risk is in the dependent areas such as the face. Proning is a
labor-intensive procedure, and the nurse needs help from team members to ensure a safe turn,
including protecting the airway. Continuous lateral rotation is a therapy done in the supine
position with a specialized bed.
27. The etiology of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in acute respiratory distress syndrome
(ARDS) is related to damage to the:
a. alveolar-capillary membrane.
b. left ventricle.
c. mainstem bronchus.
d. trachea.
ANS: A
Damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane results in noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.
None of the other responses apply.
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Identify diagnostic criteria for ARDS. (Select all that apply.)
a. Bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray study
b. Decreased cardiac output
c. PaO2/ FiO2 ratio of less than 200
d. Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) of more than 18 mm Hg
ANS: A, C
Diagnostic criteria for ARDS include bilateral infiltrates, or “white out,” on chest x-ray study
and a low PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Decreased cardiac output and a high PAOP are seen in pulmonary
edema associated with cardiac causes. Decreased cardiac output and a high PAOP are seen in
pulmonary edema associated with cardiac causes.
2. Which of the following statements is true regarding oral care for the prevention of ventilator-
associated pneumonia (VAP)? (Select all that apply.)
a. Tooth brushing is performed every 2 hours for the greatest effect.
b. Implementing a comprehensive oral care program is an intervention for preventing
VAP.
c. Oral care protocols should include oral suctioning and brushing teeth.
d. Protocols that include chlorhexidine gluconate have been effective in preventing
VAP.
ANS: B, C, D
A comprehensive oral care protocol is an intervention for preventing VAP. It includes oral
suction, brushing teeth every 12 hours, and swabbing. Chlorhexidine gluconate has been
effective in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 422 | Box 14-4 | Box 14-5
OBJ: Formulate a plan of care for the patient with ARF.
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
3. Which of the following are physiological effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
used in the treatment of ARDS? (Select all that apply.)
a. Increase functional residual capacity
b. Prevent collapse of unstable alveoli
c. Improve arterial oxygenation
d. Open collapsed alveoli
ANS: A, B, C, D
Ventilatory support for ARDS typically includes PEEP to restore functional residual capacity,
open collapsed alveoli, prevent collapse of unstable alveoli, and improve arterial oxygenation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 422 | Box 14-4 | Box 14-5
OBJ: Formulate a plan of care for the patient with ARF.
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
5. Select the strategies for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus
(PE). (Select all that apply.)
a. Graduated compression stockings
b. Heparin or low–molecular weight heparin for patients at risk
c. Sequential compression devices
d. Strict bed rest
ANS: A, B, C
Graduated compression stockings, sequential compression devices, and anticoagulation can
reduce the risk for DVT. Physical activity can also reduce the risk; bed rest increases the risk.
6. The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient. The nurse understands that strategies
to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia include which of the following? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Drain condensate from the ventilator tubing away from the patient.
b. Elevate the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees.
c. Instill normal saline as part of the suctioning procedure.
d. Perform regular oral care with chlorhexidine.
ANS: A, B, D
Condensate should be drained away from the patient to avoid drainage back into the patient’s
airway. Prevention guidelines recommend elevating the head of bed at 30 to 45 degrees.
Regular antiseptic oral care, with an agent such as chlorhexidine, reduces oropharyngeal
colonization. Normal saline is not recommended as part of the suctioning procedure, and it
may increase the risk for infection.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 422 | Box 14-4 | Box 14-5
OBJ: Formulate a plan of care for the patient with ARF.
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
7. The nurse is caring for a patient in acute respiratory failure and understands that the patient
should be positioned: (Select all that apply.)
a. high Fowler's.
b. side lying with head of bed elevated.
c. sitting in a chair.
d. supine with the bed flat.
ANS: A, B, C
Patients in respiratory distress are unable to tolerate a flat position. High Fowler’s is
appropriate. Side lying with head of bed elevated, sitting in a chair, and high Fowler’s position
are all appropriate ways to position the patient to facilitate gas exchange and comfort.
8. The nurse is caring for a patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) and understands that treatment
consists of which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
a. Airway clearance therapies
b. Antibiotic therapy
c. Nutritional support
d. Tracheostomy
ANS: A, B, C
The three cornerstones of care for a patient with CF are antibiotic therapy, airway clearance,
and nutritional support. A tracheostomy is not a standard treatment for CF.
OTHER
1. On the following picture of the alveolar-capillary membrane, select the image that
demonstrates shunting.
ANS:
C
Figure C shows a shunt. A is a normal alveolar-capillary unit. B is hypoventilation with
increased PaCO2 and decreased PaO2. D is a ventilation/perfusion mismatch. E is a diffusion
defect.