Oxygenation & Gas Exchange
Q: Which device delivers oxygen through the nose?
Answer: Nasal cannula
Rationale: Nasal cannulas are common low-flow oxygen devices and easy for patients to use.
Q: Which condition causes wheezing and shortness of breath?
Answer: Asthma
Rationale: Asthma narrows airways, causing wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Q: Which medicine helps open airways quickly in asthma?
Answer: Albuterol
Rationale: Short-acting bronchodilators relieve airway constriction fast.
Q: pH 7.30 and CO₂ 50 — what type of problem is this?
Answer: Respiratory acidosis
Rationale: High CO₂ lowers pH, showing CO₂ retention.
Q: Which position helps a patient breathe easier?
Answer: Sitting upright (High Fowler’s)
Rationale: Gravity helps lungs expand fully.
Q: Which position helps a patient breathe better?
Answer: Sitting upright (High Fowler’s)
Rationale: Upright position allows lungs to expand more fully.
Q: Which lung infection can cause fever, fast breathing, and low oxygen?
Answer: Pneumonia
Rationale: Pneumonia inflames the lungs, reducing oxygen exchange.
Q: What side effect can albuterol cause?
Answer: Fast heartbeat or shakiness
Rationale: Beta-agonists stimulate the heart and muscles, causing these effects.
Q: Breathing too fast can cause what ABG problem?
Answer: Respiratory alkalosis
Rationale: Fast breathing lowers CO₂, raising pH.
Q: What should you do before suctioning a patient’s airway?
Answer: Give extra oxygen
Rationale: Prevents low oxygen during suctioning.
Q: A patient is breathing fast and looks restless. What might this mean?
Answer: Low oxygen
Rationale: Restlessness and fast breathing are early signs of hypoxemia.
Q: What is a common sign of chronic bronchitis?
Answer: A cough that produces mucus
Rationale: Chronic bronchitis is defined by a long-term productive cough.
Q: What should a patient do after using inhaled steroids?
Answer: Rinse mouth
Rationale: Reduces risk of fungal infections in the mouth.
Q: What lab shows how well oxygen is in the blood?
Answer: Oxygen saturation
Rationale: Pulse oximetry measures the percentage of oxygen carried by hemoglobin.
Q: How can post-op patients avoid collapsed lungs (atelectasis)?
Answer: Use incentive spirometer
Rationale: Deep breaths open alveoli and improve oxygenation.
Q: Which oxygen device gives a set amount of oxygen, not just an estimate?
Answer: Venturi mask
Rationale: Venturi masks deliver a precise oxygen concentration.
Q: A patient suddenly has chest pain and trouble breathing. What could it be?
Answer: Pulmonary embolism
Rationale: PE blocks blood flow to the lungs and is a medical emergency.
Q: Which treatment keeps the airway open during sleep in sleep apnea?
Answer: CPAP
Rationale: CPAP uses air pressure to prevent airway collapse.
Q: Low pH with low bicarbonate means what type of problem?
Answer: Metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Low bicarbonate decreases pH; the body may try to compensate by breathing faster.
Q: A COPD patient is anxious and short of breath. What helps most?
Answer: Pursed-lip breathing
Rationale: Slows breathing and improves air exchange.
Q: Why must oxygen be given carefully to some COPD patients?
Answer: Too much can cause CO₂ buildup
Rationale: High oxygen levels can reduce the drive to breathe in patients with chronic CO₂ retention.
Q: Which symptom is common in emphysema?
Answer: Barrel-shaped chest
Rationale: Lung damage causes air trapping, which enlarges the chest.
Q: A patient cannot use an inhaler well. Which device is helpful?
Answer: Nebulizer
Rationale: Nebulizers deliver medicine over time, good for patients who struggle with inhalers.
Q: Which lab tells if the blood clots normally when on heparin?
Answer: aPTT
Rationale: Heparin’s effect is monitored by aPTT to prevent too much bleeding.
Q: What is important when caring for a patient on a ventilator?
Answer: Check oxygen and ventilator settings
Rationale: Ensures proper breathing and prevents complications.