Respiratory System - Nurse Licensure Exam

Characterized by severe inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and hypoxemia.

A decrease in oxygen levels in the blood, often a key sign of respiratory distress.

A condition of narrowing of the airways, often triggered by allergic reactions, infections, or irritants.

Characterized by a worsening of breathing, with reduced airflow, making it harder for the lungs to oxygenate the blood.

A progressive lung disease leading to airflow obstruction and difficulty breathing, caused by chronic inflammation and lung damage.

An inflammatory condition caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, and highly contagious.

A common test used to diagnose TB infection, involving the injection of a small amount of purified protein derivative from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

A positive PPD test indicates past exposure to the tuberculosis bacteria, showing a raised, hard bump at the injection site.

A positive Mantoux test is indicated by an induration of 10 mm or more when read 48-72 hours after the test is administered.

The optimal tidal volume for ventilator weaning is 6-8 ml/kg.

The nurse anticipates that the physician will order the following for a client with pulmonary edema who is hypoxic: Change the nasal cannula to a partial rebreather mask at 8 L/min oxygen. This will increase the FiO2, which will hopefully increase their pO2.

Chest physiotherapy should be scheduled at times that will allow the client to clear secretions comfortably. The most therapeutic schedule is usually 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Fluctuations in the water seal chamber of a closed chest drainage system indicate that an air leak is present. This can be caused by a loose connection or a hole in the tubing.

The nurse anticipates that the physician will order the following for a client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism: Anti-coagulant therapy.

A client with no history of respiratory disease has a sudden onset of dyspnea, chest pain, and tachycardia.A pulmonary embolism is suspected.The nurse anticipates the physician will order the following: High Fowler's position.

The nurse anticipates that the physician will order the following for a client suspected of having a pulmonary embolism: Oxygen at 4 L/min.

A condition where the inflammation of the bronchi causes coughing, mucus production, and shortness of breath. It is often triggered by viral infections.

A procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space, often done to diagnose or treat lung infections or other conditions like pneumothorax.

A lung infection where the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, causing fever, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

A serious condition where the pleural space fills with pus, often occurring as a complication of pneumonia or lung infections.

A measurement of the amount of carbon monoxide in the blood, used to assess the severity of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The type of breath sounds heard in healthy lungs, characterized by soft, low-pitched sounds.

A condition where there is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space around the lungs, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.

A condition where the alveoli are filled with fluid, which causes coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Usually occurs due to various medical conditions, including heart failure, lung cancer, and pneumonia.

A measure of the total amount of cigarettes smoked over time, calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked.

Mouth care before meals can improve taste sensation and make eating more enjoyable for clients with pneumonia.

Pulmonary edema is a buildup of fluid in the lungs, often caused by left-sided heart failure. Bilateral crackles, or crackling sounds heard through a stethoscope, are a common sign.

A friction rub, a grating sound heard with auscultation, indicates inflammation of the pleura (lining of the lungs). The absence of a friction rub suggests a decrease in inflammation, possibly due to the effectiveness of treatment.

After chest tube insertion, drainage should gradually decrease as the lungs re-expand. A significant drop in drainage, especially after the initial post-surgery period, may raise concerns about a possible clot blocking the chest tube.

Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic lung disease characterized by damaged alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs). This damage causes air trapping and difficulty breathing.

A barrel chest (protruding chest) is a characteristic sign of emphysema, caused by the trapped air expanding the chest cavity.

Severe dyspnea (shortness of breath) is a common symptom of pulmonary emphysema due to the reduced oxygen exchange capacity of the damaged lungs.

A condition in which the airways become narrowed and inflamed, often triggered by allergic reactions, infections, or irritants. It can cause wheezing, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest.

A chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and a chronic cough. Caused by exposure to irritants like smoke and dust.

A chronic lung disease that involves inflammation of the lung tissue, which progresses slowly over time. Individuals with this condition are at increased risk for developing emphysema. The disease can be caused by exposure to various irritants like dust, smoke, and certain chemicals.

A serious condition where blood clots form in the lungs, often caused by deep vein thrombosis. It can block blood flow to the lungs, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing.

An infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

A fungal infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, often found in bird droppings or soil. It is a serious infection for individuals with weakened immune systems.

A skin test used to detect infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The results are determined by the size of the induration (hardening) at the injection site.

The low-pressure alarm indicates a problem with the ventilator circuit, such as a leak or disconnection.

Blood-streaked sputum is a sign of potential bleeding in the airway, indicating a serious complication after a bronchoscopy.

Suctioning time should be limited to 10 seconds to minimize tissue trauma and reduce the risk of oxygen desaturation.

When a client's heart rate decreases during suctioning, it may indicate hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen in the blood. This requires immediate action.

Flail chest is characterized by a segment of the rib cage breaking and moving independently from the rest of the rib cage, making it difficult to breathe. This can be recognized by paradoxical chest movement.

A right pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. It's a serious complication after chest trauma.

The earliest sign of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is tachypnea, which is an increased respiratory rate. Other signs include dyspnea, and a decrease in the oxygen level in the blood.

Intercostal muscles are located between the ribs and play a crucial role in respiration. Strengthening these muscles helps to improve lung capacity and breathing efficiency.