Free Respiratory Nursing MCQs with Answers
50 Respiratory Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Covers nursing assessment and management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleural disorders and respiratory failure. Key areas include breath sounds, oxygen therapy, airway suctioning, inhaled medicines, arterial blood gases and the difference between hypoxia, hypoxemia and carbon dioxide retention.
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50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. A harsh pleural friction rub
- B. A low-pitched rhonchus
- C. A high-pitched inspiratory wheeze
- D. A hollow bronchial breathing sound
Explanation: A pleural friction rub is a rough, grating sound caused by inflamed pleural surfaces rubbing together during breathing.
Correct answer: A harsh pleural friction rub- A. Use the inhaler with a spacer device
- B. Inhale rapidly after pressing the canister
- C. Exhale into the inhaler before pressing it
- D. Repeat each dose without waiting between puffs
Explanation: A spacer holds the medicine so the patient can inhale it more effectively without perfect hand-breath coordination.
Correct answer: Use the inhaler with a spacer device- A. Report possible critical airway obstruction immediately
- B. Encourage the patient to drink warm fluids
- C. Place the patient flat to reduce oxygen demand
- D. Document the change as improvement in bronchospasm
Explanation: A silent chest with ongoing severe dyspnea may mean critically reduced airflow, not recovery.
Correct answer: Report possible critical airway obstruction immediately- A. A non-rebreather mask
- B. A nasal cannula at 2 L per minute
- C. A Venturi mask at 24 percent
- D. A simple face mask at 3 L per minute
Explanation: A non-rebreather mask can provide a high inspired oxygen concentration when its reservoir is inflated and the mask fits properly.
Correct answer: A non-rebreather mask- A. This is an expected effect of the medicine
- B. This indicates severe kidney injury
- C. This proves the tuberculosis is worsening
- D. This means the next dose should be stopped
Explanation: Rifampicin commonly discolours urine, tears, sweat and other body fluids orange-red.
Correct answer: This is an expected effect of the medicine- A. Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation
- B. Respiratory acidosis without compensation
- C. Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation
- D. Respiratory alkalosis without compensation
Explanation: The low pH and low bicarbonate show metabolic acidosis, while the low PaCO2 indicates compensatory hyperventilation.
Correct answer: Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation- A. Place the open tube end in sterile water
- B. Clamp the tube and leave it clamped
- C. Remove the chest tube and apply a dry dressing
- D. Reconnect it after flushing the tube with saline
Explanation: Placing the tube end in sterile water creates a temporary water seal and helps prevent air from entering the pleural space.
Correct answer: Place the open tube end in sterile water- A. Eat small, frequent meals with adequate protein
- B. Drink large amounts of fluid during each meal
- C. Eat one large meal daily to reduce fatigue
- D. Avoid protein because it increases carbon dioxide production
Explanation: Small frequent meals reduce stomach distension and the work of breathing, while adequate protein supports respiratory muscle function.
Correct answer: Eat small, frequent meals with adequate protein- A. Allen test
- B. Romberg test
- C. Babinski test
- D. Brudzinski test
Explanation: The Allen test assesses whether the ulnar artery can supply the hand if radial circulation is reduced.
Correct answer: Allen test- A. Assess airway and breathing, then call for urgent help
- B. Offer oral fluids to loosen respiratory secretions
- C. Encourage coughing and deep breathing exercises
- D. Place the patient in a supine position for comfort
Explanation: Bradypnea, shallow breathing and drowsiness indicate possible respiratory failure, so airway and breathing take priority under the ABC…
Correct answer: Assess airway and breathing, then call for urgent help