Respiratory & Pulmonary Care
A patient recovering from abdominal surgery is at risk for atelectasis. Which intervention best prevents this complication?
Encouraging incentive spirometer use
A trauma patient is brought to the ED unresponsive. What is the nurse’s first action?
Stabilize cervical spine
The nurse is performing the primary survey. What does “D” stand for in the ABCDE framework?
Disability
A patient presents with high fever, dyspnea, and a maculopapular rash after suspected smallpox exposure. What is the nurse’s next action?
Isolate and notify health department
Which patients are most at risk for heat stroke?
Patient with schizophrenia on antipsychotics, elderly woman on diuretic, construction worker in summer
The nurse is assessing a patient with acute respiratory failure. Which signs are expected?
Cyanosis, Confusion, Tachypnea
A 13-year-old fell from a roof and sustained blunt abdominal injuries. What diagnostic test assesses for internal injury?
Computed tomography (CT) scan
During a disaster drill using the SALT triage system, what statement best reflects understanding?
“We prioritize saving as many lives as possible.”
The nurse is educating a patient with sarcoidosis. Which instruction is most important?
Follow up with pulmonary function testing regularly
What symptoms may a nurse experience as behavioral health effects after a disaster?
Compassion fatigue, anhedonia, interpersonal conflict
Which finding in a patient with tracheobronchitis suggests a bacterial infection rather than viral?
Purulent sputum
After immediate life threats are addressed in a trauma case, what should the nurse and team do next?
Perform a rapid physical assessment
Which is the correct step in the SALT triage system?
Ask who can walk and move them to safety
A patient with tuberculosis is being discharged. Which teaching point is essential?
Wear a mask in public settings
During hypothermia rewarming, what should the nurse ensure?
Continuous ECG monitoring
A patient with pneumonia has crackles in the lower lobes and an SpO₂ of 91%. Which nursing action takes priority?
Encourage deep breathing and coughing
A mountain hiker has pink, frothy sputum and cyanosis. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Administer oxygen via a non-rebreather mask
What triage tag is appropriate for a patient with an open femur fracture and weak pulses?
Red
Which of the following conditions can lead to respiratory acidosis? (Select all that apply)
Opioid overdose, Vomiting, COPD exacerbation
A nurse responding to disaster management could be assigned which roles?
Triage officer, chest tube insertion, infection control coordinator
Which assessment finding is consistent with pleurisy?
Sharp chest pain that worsens with inspiration
A client has been brought to the ED with multiple trauma after a motor vehicle accident. After immediate threats to life have been addressed, the nurse and trauma team should take what action?
Perform a rapid physical assessment.
During a mass casualty event, which patient should the nurse triage as “expectant” under the SALT system?
A patient with no pulse, agonal respirations, and severe head trauma incompatible with survival even with resources.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a lung abscess. What is the priority nursing action?
Administer high-calorie, high-protein diet
What level of PPE includes an SCBA and a vapor-tight suit?
Level A