Lung Sounds
You hear fine crackles at the bases. What condition could this indicate?
Early heart failure or pulmonary edema
Which device delivers the lowest FiO₂?
Normal pH range?
7.35–7.45
First nursing action when SpO₂ drops to 84%
Assess the patient and airway; apply O₂
Position for optimal ventilation
High Fowler’s
Which sound is high-pitched, musical, and heard on expiration?
Wheezing
What FiO₂ range does a non-rebreather mask deliver?
60-100%
pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 58, HCO₃ 25 - interpret it.
Respiratory acidosis
Signs of early hypoxia.
Restlessness, anxiety, tachycardia
You hear stridor after extubation - what’s the priority?
Notify provider, prepare for re-intubation
This harsh, crowing sound indicates upper airway obstruction.
Stridor
What oxygen device should you use for a COPD patient needing precise FiO₂?
Venturi mask.
What condition may cause respiratory alkalosis?
Hyperventilation or anxiety.
A patient post-surgery suddenly becomes short of breath and anxious. What do you suspect?
Pulmonary embolism
COPD patient is drowsy after increasing O₂ - why?
CO₂ retention due to hypoxic drive suppression
You hear coarse rhonchi that clear with coughing - what’s likely happening?
Secretions in large airways
Which device provides the highest flow rate?
High-flow nasal cannula.
pH 7.48, PaCO₂ 28, HCO₃ 22 - compensated or uncompensated?
Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis.
Priority intervention for suspected pneumothorax
Apply O₂, notify provider, prepare for chest tube
When suctioning a trach, what’s the max time to suction?
10–15 seconds
What lung sound would you expect in a patient with pneumonia?
Crackles or bronchial breath sounds over consolidation
What should you always check before applying a non-rebreather mask?
Ensure reservoir bag is inflated
pH 7.32, PaCO₂ 36, HCO₃ 18 - interpret it.
Metabolic acidosis
You hear stridor after extubation. What’s your first action?
Call for help and prepare for re-intubation, possibly some racemic epinephrine
What should be at the bedside of all trach patients?
Obturator, spare trach, and ambu bag