Upper Resp Disorders
What is the most common cause of acute pharyngitis?
Pleurisy
Viral infection
Eating spicy foods
Viral infection
Which side of heart failure causes fluid to back up into the lungs.
Right side
left side
middle
Left Side
What is the primary symptom of angina?
Loss of consciousness
Chest pain or chest pressure
Heart palpitations
Chest pain or chest pressure
What breath sound is commonly heard in asthma?
Stridor
rhonchi
Wheezing
Wheezing
What is the first priority in burn management?
Airway assessment and support
Removing the burned clothing
Immerse patient in water to cool the burns
Airway assessment and support
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
Produce red blood cells in response to infection
Return interstitial fluid to circulation and support immune defense
Prevent pulmonary congestion
Return interstitial fluid to circulation and support immune defense
What is the main cause of pressure injuries?
Unrelieved pressure over bony prominences (often combined with shear/friction and moisture)
Keeping the patient in bed all the time
An immunocompromised immune system
Unrelieved pressure over bony prominences (often combined with shear/friction and moisture)
What is the priority concern with epiglottitis?
Fever
Hemorrhage
Airway obstruction
Airway obstruction
What is the most common cause of left sided heart failure
Smoking
Hypertension
age
Hypertension
What is the difference between stable and unstable angina?
Stable = predictable with exertion and relieved by rest/nitroglycerin; Unstable = occurs at rest or with increasing frequency/severity and is less predictable
Stable=the is never any pain present; Unstable= Occurs with activity and relieved with nitroglycerin
Stable = predictable with exertion and relieved by rest/nitroglycerin; Unstable = occurs at rest or with increasing frequency/severity and is less predictable
What is the purpose of a rescue inhaler?
Provide lubrication to the throat
Treat pharyngitis
Rapid bronchodilation to relieve bronchospasm during an acute attack
Rapid bronchodilation to relieve bronchospasm during an acute attack
What type of burn involves the epidermis and dermis?
Full thickness burn
First degree burn
Partial‑thickness (second‑degree) burn
Partial‑thickness (second‑degree) burn
What is the purpose of lymph nodes?
Filter lymph and house immune cells to trap pathogens
Build up immunity in compromised patients
Filter the blood by osmosis
Filter lymph and house immune cells to trap pathogens
What is the first sign of a pressure injury?
Thick black eschar
Exposure of muscle or bone
Non‑blanchable erythema (redness) of intact skin
Non‑blanchable erythema (redness) of intact skin
What is the primary symptom of sinusitis?
Facial pain/pressure and nasal congestion
Nasal congestion, pain, fever
Epistaxis, nasal congestion, sneezing
Facial pain/pressure and nasal congestion
What lung sound is commonly heard in left sided heart failure?
Crackles
wheezes
rhonchi
crackles
What is the first action when a patient reports chest pain?
Stop activity and assess (vital signs, pain characteristics); notify provider per protocol
Immediately give nitroglycerin without assessing
Have the patient lie down and check on them in 30 minutes
Stop activity and assess (vital signs, pain characteristics); notify provider per protocol
What is the hallmark sign of COPD?
Chronic airflow limitation with progressive dyspnea
Thick, copious mucous production
Circumoral cyanosis and pallor
Chronic airflow limitation with progressive dyspnea (chronic productive cough in chronic bronchitis phenotype)
What is the rule used to estimate burn size?
Rule of Nines
Rule of sevens
Rule of tens
Rule of Nines
What is the most common symptom of an allergic reaction?
Coughing and sneezing with fever
Itching and hives (urticaria) or localized swelling
Acute respiratory distress
Itching and hives (urticaria) or localized swelling
What is the best way to prevent pressure injuries?
Keeping the skin clean and moist
Having the patient spend as little time as possible in bed.
Frequent repositioning, pressure redistribution, skin inspection, and skin care
Frequent repositioning, pressure redistribution, skin inspection, and skin care
What is the first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis?
Antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids (per provider order)
Nasal saline, acetaminophen
antibiotics, Tylenol, Robitussin
Antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids (per provider order)
Which side of heart failure causes peripheral edema and abdominal distention
Proximal
left
right
Right side
Which lab value confirms myocardial infarction?
CD4
CBC with Diff
Troponin
troponin
What is the most important teaching for a COPD patient about oxygen therapy?
Quit smoking so the oxygen will be effective
Increase the flow rate whenever they are short of breath
Use oxygen as ordered; avoid increasing flow without an order in CO₂ retainers (titrate to prescribed target sats)
Use oxygen as ordered; avoid increasing flow without an order in CO₂ retainers (titrate to prescribed target sats)
What is the greatest risk during the first 24 hours after a major burn?
Hypovolemic shock (fluid loss)
Hyperthermia
Hyperkalemia
Hypovolemic shock (fluid loss)
What is the priority action during anaphylaxis?
Encourage fluids to counter act the allergen
Administer a double dose of Benadryl
Administer intramuscular epinephrine immediately and call for emergency help
Administer intramuscular epinephrine immediately and call for emergency help
How often should a bedbound patient be repositioned?
Every 2 hours
Every 8 hours
Every 4 hours
Every 2 hours (for bedbound patients)
What is the most important teaching for a patient using a nasal decongestant spray?
Limit use to short term (usually ≤3 days) to avoid rebound congestion
Only use the spray 5 times a day
Do not use if taking cardiac drugs
Limit use to short term (usually ≤3 days) to avoid rebound congestion
What symptom is most associated with right sided heart failure?
Peripheral edema
chest pain
shortness of breath
Peripheral edema
What is the purpose of nitroglycerin in cardiac care?
Vasodilation to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and relieve ischemic chest pain
Vasoconstriction to reduce blood flow and the demand on the heart
Stop the pain of the STEMI
Vasodilation to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and relieve ischemic chest pain
What is the priority action during an acute asthma attack?
Apply oxygen and prepare for intubation
Administer prescribed rescue bronchodilator (short‑acting beta‑agonist) and assess response
Begin CPR
Administer prescribed rescue bronchodilator (short‑acting beta‑agonist) and assess response
What is the purpose of fluid resuscitation in burn patients?
Prevent dehydration
Restore circulating volume and maintain tissue perfusion
Heal the thermal injury
Restore circulating volume and maintain tissue perfusion
What is the purpose of an EpiPen?
To keep on hand in case you need to sign something
To keep the patient from experiencing cardiac arrest
Deliver a rapid dose of epinephrine to reverse anaphylaxis (bronchospasm, hypotension, airway swelling)
Deliver a rapid dose of epinephrine to reverse anaphylaxis (bronchospasm, hypotension, airway swelling)
What is a stage 1 pressure injury?
Intact skin with persistent non‑blanchable redness
Shallow crater with subcutaneous fat exposed
Deep crater with eschar present
Intact skin with persistent non‑blanchable redness
What is the purpose of a throat culture?
To cure the infection
To identify bacterial pathogens (e.g., group A strep) and guide antibiotic therapy
To irrigate the throat
To identify bacterial pathogens (e.g., group A strep) and guide antibiotic therapy
What is orthopnea, and why does it occur in heart failure?
resp distress when lying flat due to pulmonary congestion
absence of respirations due to a weak heart
periods of apnea and cyanosis
difficulty breathing when lying flat, caused by increased pulmonary congestion
What vital sign must be checked before giving digoxin?
Pulse oximetry
Apical pulse
Blood pressure
Apical pulse (heart rate)
What is the most common cause of pneumonia?
Long-term Smoking
Going out in cold weather without a coat
Bacterial infection (common), though viral causes also occur
Bacterial infection (common), though viral causes also occur
What is the hallmark sign of inhalation injury?
Hoarseness, soot in sputum, singed nasal hairs, or facial burns suggesting inhalation injury
Acute respiratory distress
Projectile vomiting
Hoarseness, soot in sputum, singed nasal hairs, or facial burns suggesting inhalation injury
What is the hallmark sign of HIV infection?
Progressive immunosuppression leading to opportunistic infections and low CD4 counts
Large purple spots on the face and trunk
Severe coughing and respiratory distress
Progressive immunosuppression leading to opportunistic infections and low CD4 counts
What is a stage 2 pressure injury?
Intact skin with persistent non‑blanchable redness
Shallow crater with subcutaneous fat exposed
Partial‑thickness skin loss involving epidermis and/or dermis (blister or shallow ulcer)
Partial‑thickness skin loss involving epidermis and/or dermis (blister or shallow ulcer)
What is a common complication of untreated strep throat?
Throat cancer
pharyngeal rupture
Rheumatic fever (and possible post‑streptococcal glomerulonephritis)
Rheumatic fever (and possible post‑streptococcal glomerulonephritis)
Which heart failure type causes jugular distention or JVD?
Left sided
right sided
distal failure
right sided
What is the therapeutic range for digoxin?
Digoxin therapeutic range: approximately 0.5–2.0 ng/mL
Digoxin therapeutic range: approximately 4.5–5.0 ng/mL
Digoxin therapeutic range: approximately 1.5–2.0 ng/mL
Digoxin therapeutic range: approximately 0.5–2.0 ng/mL
What is the best indicator of oxygenation status?
Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) and arterial blood gas when indicated
Counting respirations for a full minute
Have the patient run down the hall while holding their breath
Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) and arterial blood gas when indicated
What is the priority action if a burn patient has singed nasal hairs?
Assess airway and prepare for early airway management (possible intubation)
Provide oral care and suction
Administer a bronchodilator to aid in breathing
Assess airway and prepare for early airway management (possible intubation)
What is the purpose of antiretroviral therapy?
To cure the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Suppress HIV replication to preserve immune function
To allow the patient to remain sexually active
Suppress HIV replication to preserve immune function
What is the priority action when a pressure injury is found?
Rub the area briskly in a circular motion
Relieve pressure immediately and assess wound; implement pressure‑reduction measures
Apply a pressure dressing
Relieve pressure immediately and assess wound; implement pressure‑reduction measures
What is the best position for a patient with severe nasal congestion?
Semi‑Fowler’s (upright or elevated head of bed)
What daily measurement is the most accurate indicator of fluid retention?
Urine output
Daily weight
skin turgor
daily weight
What is the hallmark sign of pericarditis?
Pleuritic chest pain relieved by sitting forward and a pericardial friction rub
Cyanosis and chest pain
Loss of consciousness
Pleuritic chest pain relieved by sitting forward and a pericardial friction rub
What is the purpose of incentive spirometry?
To determine good oral hygiene
Encourage deep inhalation to prevent atelectasis and improve lung expansion
To assess how long the patient can hold their breath
Encourage deep inhalation to prevent atelectasis and improve lung expansion
What electrolyte imbalance is common in the early burn phase?
Hypomagnesemia
Hypernatremia
Hyperkalemia (early due to cell destruction)
Hyperkalemia (early due to cell destruction)
What is the most common symptom of lupus?
Fatigue and characteristic malar (butterfly) rash (photosensitivity common)
Swelling of extremities
Decreased renal function
Fatigue and characteristic malar (butterfly) rash (photosensitivity common)
What nutritional factor is most important for wound healing?
Protein
Carbohydrates
fats
Protein
What is the most common cause of laryngitis?
Viral infection
Pneumonia
Tonsillar exudate
Viral infection
Why does left sided heart failure usually lead to right sided failure?
fluid overload in the heart
increased pulmonary pressure increases right ventricular workload
Resp distress and hypoxia stresses the heart
Left‑sided failure raises pulmonary pressures → increases right ventricular workload → right‑sided failure
What is the most common cause of hypertension?
genetics
age
lifestyle factors
all of the above
all of the above
What is the priority assessment for a patient with suspected tuberculosis?
Assess for cough, hemoptysis, fever, night sweats and obtain chest x‑ray/AFB testing per protocol
Obtain vitals and assess lung sounds
Assess their ability to ambulate without dyspnea
Assess for cough, hemoptysis, fever, night sweats and obtain chest x‑ray/Acid Fast Bacteria testing per protocol
What type of burn is painless due to nerve destruction?
Full‑thickness (third‑degree) burn
Second degree burn
First degree burn
Full‑thickness (third‑degree) burn
What is the primary symptom of rheumatoid arthritis?
Joint pain, stiffness, and morning stiffness lasting >30 minutes
Fever, swelling of extremities, joint pain
Bruising of limbs, redness swelling of extremities
Joint pain, stiffness, and morning stiffness lasting >30 minutes
What device helps reduce pressure on bony areas?
Pressure dressings
An adjustable bed with lots of pillows
Pressure‑relieving devices (special mattress, foam pads, cushions)
Pressure‑relieving devices (special mattress, foam pads, cushions)
What is the priority action if a patient with tonsillitis begins drooling?
Assess airway immediately and prepare for airway support (possible obstruction)
Patient is hemorrhaging; begin suction
The patient is dehydrated; encourage fluids
Assess airway immediately and prepare for airway support (possible obstruction)
What is the priority nursing action when a patient with heart failure develops acute shortness of breath?
Antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids (per provider order)
Place patient upright (High Fowler’s) and assess airway/oxygenation immediately
Lay the patient flat and provide suction
Place patient upright (High Fowler’s) and assess airway/oxygenation immediately
What is the priority assessment for a patient with suspected dysrhythmia?
Assess pulse and obtain ECG (monitor cardiac rhythm and hemodynamic status)
Assess blood pressure and heartrate
Assess lungs, vitals and SpO2
Assess pulse and obtain ECG (monitor cardiac rhythm and hemodynamic status)
What PPE is required for caring for a TB patient?
Only gloves if the patient is not coughing
N95 respirator (airborne precautions)
No PPE, just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly
N95 respirator (airborne precautions)
What is the best way to prevent infection in burn wounds?
Wearing sterile gloves
Dressing the wounds with non-sterile dressings
Strict hand hygiene and sterile wound care / proper dressing technique
Strict hand hygiene and sterile wound care / proper dressing technique
What is the purpose of immunizations?
Prevent the patient from developing cancer later in life
Prevent infectious diseases by stimulating protective immunity
Prevent the patient from getting viruses ever again
Prevent infectious diseases by stimulating protective immunity
What is the best way to assess for deep tissue injury?
Inspect for localized purple/maroon, boggy areas and assess skin temperature/consistency
Measure the depth of all wounds and assess tunneling
Assess color and temperature of all exposed skin
Inspect for localized purple/maroon, boggy areas and assess skin temperature/consistency