Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Pulmonary NCLEX Quiz: Test Your Respiratory Nursing Skills

Think you can ace these respiratory NCLEX questions? Challenge yourself now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art lungs stethoscope and text challenge yourself with free pulmonary NCLEX quiz on teal background

Calling all nursing students & aspiring RNs! Ready to sharpen your respiratory skills and conquer the boards? Our Pulmonary NCLEX Practice Quiz delivers targeted pulmonary nclex questions to challenge your understanding of ventilation, gas exchange, and airway management. Test yourself with respiratory NCLEX questions - from oxygenation to acid-base balance - in our interactive NCLEX respiratory system quiz . For extra focus on oxygenation scenarios, check out our oxygen NCLEX questions module. This free nursing respiratory system quiz builds confidence, highlights strengths, pinpoints areas for improvement, and solidifies your clinical reasoning in respiratory care. Whether you're fresh off clinicals or deep in review, these NCLEX respiratory practice questions offer essential pulmonary system NCLEX practice to boost your exam readiness. Ready to test your skills? Start the quiz now and take the first step toward NCLEX success!

Which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration?
Diaphragm
External intercostals
Internal intercostals
Sternocleidomastoid
The diaphragm is the main muscle responsible for inspiration by contracting and increasing thoracic cavity volume. During contraction, it moves downward, creating negative intrathoracic pressure that draws air into the lungs. Accessory muscles like the sternocleidomastoid assist when increased effort is needed. Source
What is the normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult?
12–20 breaths per minute
8–12 breaths per minute
20–28 breaths per minute
25–30 breaths per minute
The standard resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Rates below or above this range may indicate respiratory or metabolic disturbances. Clinicians monitor this vital sign to assess ventilation status. Source
What volume of air is inhaled or exhaled during normal, quiet breathing?
Tidal volume
Vital capacity
Residual volume
Inspiratory reserve volume
Tidal volume is the amount of air moved into or out of the lungs during a normal breath at rest, typically around 500 mL in adults. Vital capacity is the maximum air exhaled after a maximal inhalation. Residual volume remains in the lungs after maximal exhalation. Source
What is the primary function of pulmonary surfactant produced by type II alveolar cells?
Reduce surface tension in alveoli
Increase airway resistance
Promote mucus production
Stimulate ciliary movement
Pulmonary surfactant lowers the surface tension at the air–liquid interface in the alveoli, preventing alveolar collapse during exhalation. It is essential for maintaining lung compliance and efficient gas exchange. Deficiency in surfactant can lead to respiratory distress. Source
A nursing student is reviewing ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) relationships. Which condition is characterized by adequate ventilation but reduced perfusion?
Pulmonary embolism
Atelectasis
Hypoventilation
Bronchospasm
In pulmonary embolism, air reaches alveoli normally but blood flow is blocked, causing a high V/Q mismatch. Atelectasis reduces ventilation. Hypoventilation affects ventilation more than perfusion. Source
Anatomical dead space refers to:
The volume of the conducting airways where no gas exchange occurs
Volume of alveoli involved in gas exchange
Total lung capacity minus vital capacity
Residual volume left after maximal exhalation
Anatomical dead space is the portion of the airway (nose to terminal bronchioles) where no gas exchange takes place. It does not include alveolar spaces. This volume is typically about 150 mL in adults. Source
An arterial blood gas shows pH 7.25, PaCO2 60 mmHg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L. How would you interpret this?
Acute respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Acute respiratory alkalosis
A pH below 7.35 with elevated PaCO2 indicates respiratory acidosis. Because bicarbonate is normal, it is acute rather than chronic. Chronic respiratory acidosis would show elevated HCO3- compensation. Source
Which nursing intervention is most effective in preventing atelectasis in post-operative patients?
Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises
Administer bronchodilators prophylactically
Place patient in Trendelenburg position
Restrict fluid intake
Deep breathing and coughing help expand alveoli and clear secretions, preventing collapse. Incentive spirometry and early ambulation also support lung inflation. Bronchodilators do not directly prevent atelectasis post-operatively. Source
A right shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve can be caused by all of the following except:
Decreased temperature
Increased CO2
Increased 2,3-BPG
Acidemia
Right shifts result from increased CO2, H+ (acidemia), and 2,3-BPG, which facilitate oxygen unloading. Decreased temperature causes a left shift, increasing O2 affinity. This exception helps distinguish factors affecting O2 binding. Source
In pulmonary embolism, ventilation-perfusion mismatch occurs because:
Ventilation is normal but perfusion is reduced
Perfusion is normal but ventilation is reduced
Both ventilation and perfusion are increased
Airway obstruction causes increased perfusion
A pulmonary embolus blocks blood flow, so alveoli are ventilated but not perfused, creating dead space. This results in inefficient gas exchange and hypoxemia. V/Q mismatch is a hallmark of PE. Source
Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on a mechanical ventilator primarily:
Prevents alveolar collapse at end expiration
Increases tidal volume drastically
Lowers intrathoracic pressure
Reduces CO2 elimination
PEEP maintains a positive pressure in the lungs at end expiration, preventing alveoli from collapsing and improving oxygenation. It increases functional residual capacity and can enhance gas exchange. Excessive PEEP may reduce cardiac output. Source
Which pathophysiological mechanism is central to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Increased alveolar-capillary membrane permeability leading to protein-rich edema
Bronchial smooth muscle hyperreactivity
Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance
Decreased mucociliary clearance
ARDS is marked by damage to the alveolar-capillary barrier, causing fluid and proteins to leak into alveoli. This noncardiogenic pulmonary edema impairs oxygenation. The resulting inflammation and hyaline membrane formation worsen lung compliance. Source
Arterial blood gas shows pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3- 26 mEq/L. What is the primary acid-base disturbance?
Acute respiratory acidosis
Chronic respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis with compensation
Mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis
A low pH with elevated PaCO2 and near-normal HCO3- indicates acute respiratory acidosis. In chronic cases, HCO3- would be elevated as compensation. Mixed disorders would show combined abnormal HCO3- and PaCO2 changes. Source
A patient has PaO2 of 80 mmHg on an FiO2 of 0.8. According to the Berlin definition, this PaO2/FiO2 ratio indicates which severity of ARDS?
Mild ARDS
Moderate ARDS
Severe ARDS
No ARDS
The PaO2/FiO2 ratio for this patient is 100 (80/0.8). Berlin criteria classify moderate ARDS as a ratio between 100 and 200 mmHg. Mild ARDS is 200–300, and severe is <100. This index guides ventilation strategies. Source
0
{"name":"Which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration?, What is the normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult?, What volume of air is inhaled or exhaled during normal, quiet breathing?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Apply Clinical Reasoning -

    Use pulmonary NCLEX questions to strengthen decision-making skills and accurately assess respiratory system scenarios.

  2. Differentiate Respiratory Pathophysiology -

    Distinguish between common pulmonary disorders such as COPD, ARDS, and pulmonary edema to inform appropriate nursing care.

  3. Interpret Arterial Blood Gases -

    Analyze ABG results and SpOâ‚‚ readings to identify acid-base imbalances and hypoxemia in respiratory patients.

  4. Prioritize Nursing Interventions -

    Rank and implement evidence-based interventions for clients experiencing respiratory distress and compromised gas exchange.

  5. Evaluate Pharmacologic Therapies -

    Assess the mechanism, indications, and potential side effects of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and mucolytics.

  6. Analyze Respiratory Assessment Findings -

    Interpret lung sounds, chest X-ray images, and other assessment data to detect and respond to pulmonary complications.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation -

    Mastering ABG analysis is a must for pulmonary NCLEX questions; use the ROME mnemonic (Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal) to quickly classify imbalances. For example, a pH of 7.32 with PaCO2 of 50 mmHg and HCO3− of 24 mEq/L indicates respiratory acidosis (American Thoracic Society). Practice with sample ABGs to boost your confidence in NCLEX respiratory practice questions.

  2. Pulmonary Function Test Ratios -

    Remember that the FEV1/FVC ratio differentiates obstructive versus restrictive patterns in a nursing respiratory system quiz. An FEV1/FVC below 0.7 indicates obstruction, as per the ATS/ERS guidelines, while a normal or high ratio suggests restrictive disease. Reviewing common PFT values helps you tackle pulmonary system NCLEX practice scenarios.

  3. Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve -

    Use the mnemonic "CADET, face Right" (CO2, Acid, 2,3-DPG, Exercise, Temperature) to recall factors that shift the curve right, enhancing oxygen off-loading (Guyton and Hall). Understanding shifts is critical for interpreting oxygen delivery in ARDS or sepsis on respiratory NCLEX questions. Practicing curve shifts solidifies your grasp for clinical case studies.

  4. Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Matching -

    Grasp V/Q ratios to distinguish shunt (perfusion without ventilation) from dead space (ventilation without perfusion), a frequent topic in respiratory NCLEX practice questions. Recall that normal V/Q is 0.8, and zones 1 - 3 of the lung follow gravity-dependent changes (UpToDate). Simulating V/Q mismatch scenarios will hone your clinical reasoning skills.

  5. Respiratory Pharmacology: Key Drug Classes -

    Use the mnemonic "BATS" (Beta2-agonists, Anticholinergics, Theophylline, Steroids) to memorize first-line treatments for asthma and COPD (NIH guidelines). Know each class's mechanism, onset, and side effects - like tremors with albuterol or dry mouth with ipratropium - to answer nursing respiratory system quiz items confidently. Flashcards with drug names and action profiles can speed recall during pulmonary NCLEX questions.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Human Anatomy & Medicine Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker