Respiratory Assessment
Diagnostic Tests
Upper Respiratory Disorders
Lower Respiratory Disorders
COPD & Asthma
100

This adventitious lung sound is caused by narrowed airways and is common in asthma.



What are wheezes?

100

This diagnostic test directly visualizes the airway and allows tissue biopsy.


What is bronchoscopy?

100

The primary treatment device for obstructive sleep apnea is this.



What is CPAP?

100

This respiratory disorder commonly presents with fever, crackles, and productive cough.



What is pneumonia?

100

This chest shape is commonly seen in emphysema.



What is barrel chest?

200

This assessment technique evaluates chest expansion and tactile fremitus.



What is palpation?

200

This noninvasive test measures oxygen saturation.



What is pulse oximetry?

200

The nurse should position a client with epistaxis in this position.

What is sitting upright and leaning forward (high fowlers)?

200

The priority intervention to prevent aspiration during tube feeding is this.


What is elevating the head of the bed?

200

This type of medication is considered a quick-relief drug for asthma.


What is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA)?

Examples: Albuterol, levalbuterol, & Terbutaline 

300

A respiratory rate of 26 would be documented as this.

What is Tachypnea? 

300

A PaCO₂ greater than 45 mm Hg indicates this acid-base imbalance.



What is respiratory acidosis?

300

Persistent hoarseness is a common symptom of this cancer.



What is laryngeal cancer?

300

This inflammatory lung disease forms granulomas in lung tissue.

What is sarcoidosis?

300

This breathing technique helps prevent airway collapse in COPD.



What is pursed-lip breathing?

400

These blood vessels are assessed during pulse oximetry to determine oxygen saturation.



What are arterial capillaries?

400

This procedure removes fluid from the pleural space.



What is thoracentesis?

400

This condition causes inflammation of the voice box.



What is laryngitis?

400

Hemoptysis and weight loss are warning signs of this respiratory disease.


What is lung cancer?

400

A “silent chest” in asthma indicates this life-threatening condition.



What is severe airway obstruction/status asthmaticus?

500

This breath sound indicates upper airway obstruction and is considered an emergency.


What is stridor?

500

These tests evaluate airflow and lung volumes in asthma and COPD.


What are pulmonary function tests (PFTs)?

500

After tonsillectomy, the nurse avoids giving this type/color of fluid.



What are red or brown fluids?

500

This complication may occur after thoracentesis and causes absent breath sounds.


What is pneumothorax?

500

This is the priority nursing goal for any respiratory-compromised client.



What is maintaining airway patency and adequate oxygenation?