NCLEX : Causes and Treatments of Respiratory Conditions
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX
All NCLEX Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #51 : Conditions And Treatments
What is the "hygiene hypothesis" in asthma?
Dirty water is responsible for many cases of asthma in the developing world
Exposing children to pathogens at a young age will decrease their risk for asthma
Keeping children's hands clean will reduce asthma rates
Frequent bathing can reduce the severity of asthma attacks
Exposing children to pathogens at a young age will decrease their risk for asthma
Incidence of asthma is lower in populations exposed to an abundance of microbes from a young age. The "hygiene hypothesis" suggests that early immune stimulation by multiple forms of infectious agents may push a Th1 phenotype, reducing the Th2 (allergic) response.
Example Question #1 : Respiratory Conditions
All of the following are common triggers for asthma except __________.
squatting
cold air
exercise
emotional stress or excitement
squatting
The most commonly reported triggers for asthma attacks are cold air, emotional stress or excitement, infection, irritants such as pollen or dust mites, and exercise. Other triggers may include lying down, exposure to cigarette smoke, or acid reflux.
Example Question #862 : Nclex
A patient has been administered isoniazid for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Which statement made by the nurse would be the most appropriate when teaching the client about this medication?
"This medication is known to cause peripheral neuropathy and therefore it is necessary to give pyridoxine prophylactically."
"This medication is expensive and may only be taken subcutaneously."
"This medication must be given by DOT – directly observed therapy."
"This medication must be taken twice daily for 9–12 months."
"This medication is associated with color blindness."
"This medication is known to cause peripheral neuropathy and therefore it is necessary to give pyridoxine prophylactically."
Isoniazid is a bactericidal drug that is given for tuberculosis that has several adverse effects including peripheral neuropathy. This drug is usually administered in conjunction to other antitubercular drugs. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is recommended to be taken in conjunction with isoniazid to prevent neurotoxicity.
Isoniazid is relatively inexpensive and may be taken orally or intravenously. It is not necessary to be taken under direct observation, and is usually dosed according to type of disease (active versus latent). The typical duration of administration is roughly 26 weeks. Color blindness is not associated with isoniazid treatment.
Example Question #1 : Respiratory Conditions
All of the following changes may be seen in chronic asthma except __________.
destruction of alveolar septa and pulmonary capillaries
deposition of subepithelial collagen
destruction of alveolar septa and pulmonary capillaries
Chronic asthma can result in a situation referred to as "airway remodeling," typified by the following changes: increased airway vascularity, epithelial desquamation, deposition of subepithelial collagen, and hypertrophy and hyperplasia of mucus glands and of the underlying muscle layer.
Destruction of alveolar septa and pulmonary capillaries is a common finding in emphysema and does not present in asthma.
Example Question #5 : Causes And Treatments Of Respiratory Conditions
At what stage are antibiotics effective in treatment of pertussis?
Up to 6 weeks
Up to 4 weeks
Up to 2 weeks
Up to 8 weeks
Up to 4 weeks
Antibiotics have been shown to have very little effectiveness in treating a pertussis infection older than four weeks. Because of this, treatment with antibiotics to individuals that have been symptomatic for longer than four weeks is not generally recommended.
Example Question #861 : Nclex
A client is admitted to the ICU with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The client has a recent history of bacterial pneumonia that has worsened and is at risk for hypoxemia.
All of the following interventions apply to treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) except __________.
an arterial catheter may be inserted to allow for blood pressure monitoring and ABG (arterial blood gas) blood sampling
daily weight should be taken to monitor fluid status
parenteral or enteral feeding will be necessary to meet high energy demands
client may be placed in the prone position to increase the PaO2
the client should be given the highest concentration of oxygen that will yield a PaO2 of 60 mmHg or greater
the client should be given the highest concentration of oxygen that will yield a PaO2 of 60 mmHg or greater
The oxygen concentration should be the lowest possible, due to the risk of oxygen toxicity seen in clients with FIO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen) levels exceeding 60% for more than 48 hours.
Example Question #11 : Respiratory Conditions
A young male presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident. Upon examination it is found that the client will require a chest tube to re-inflate his collapsed lung.
All of the following correctly describe how a chest tube is placed except which of these?
A common location utilized for insertion is the fifth intercostal - midaxillary line.
During insertion the tubes are to be clamped, once in the plural space they are connected and unclamped at that time.
After placement, the tube is sutured to the chest wall and a dressing applied.
If air is to be removed the chest tube is placed inferiorly and posteriorly.
If performed at bedside sterile technique must be utilized.
If air is to be removed the chest tube is placed inferiorly and posteriorly.
The correct placement of tubing includes directing a tube apically to remove air from the pleural space, and to direct the tube that will drain fluids in an inferior and posterior orientation.
Example Question #1 : Causes And Treatments Of Respiratory Conditions
A 45 year old male with COPD presents to the hospital with an exacerbation of his lung condition. He is in respiratory distress and the physician recommends he sit leaning forward. What is the purpose of sitting like this?
To prevent loss of consciousness
To prevent falling
To help inhale air
To easily cough out secretions
To help exhale air
To help exhale air
COPD is a chronic lung condition marked by air trapping. Patients with COPD are instructed to sit in the "tripod" position to help them exhale air. Patients sit and lean forward to help maximize air exiting from the lungs.
Example Question #61 : Conditions And Treatments
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of albuterol inhalers during an asthma exacerbation?
Alpha adrenergic antagonist
Beta adrenergic agonist
Beta adrenergic antagonist
None of these
Alpha adrenergic agonist
Beta adrenergic agonist
Albuterol is a beta adrenergic agonist. It helps to open up the airways during an asthma exacerbation by activating the beta adrenergic receptors, part of the sympathetic nervous system. Side effects include increased heart rate.
Example Question #62 : Conditions And Treatments
What is the inspiratory reserve volume?
The normal amount of air that is inhaled with each breath
The amount of air that can be exhaled after normal inhalation
The total amount of air the lung can contain
The amount of air that can be inhaled after normal inhalation
The amount of air available in the lungs after exhalation
The amount of air that can be inhaled after normal inhalation
The inspiratory reserve volume for the average adult is roughly 3100mL. It is tested using pulmonary function tests. The inspiratory reserve volume is the amount of air able to be inhaled after a regular inhalation. This is in contrast to the expiratory reserve volume, which is the amount of air that can be exhaled after a regular exhalation.
All NCLEX Resources
