LPN Respiratory Care and Oxygenation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) range for a healthy adult?
- 85-90%
- 90-94%
- 95-100% (Correct answer)
- 100% only
Correct answer: 95-100%
Normal SpO2 for healthy adults is 95-100%; values below 90% indicate hypoxemia requiring immediate intervention.
Question 2: Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise and controlled oxygen concentration?
- Nasal cannula
- Simple face mask
- Non-rebreather mask
- Venturi mask (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Venturi mask
The Venturi mask uses color-coded jet-mixing adapters to deliver precise, controlled FiO2 concentrations, making it ideal for COPD patients sensitive to high oxygen levels.
Question 3: An LPN is caring for a patient with COPD requiring supplemental oxygen. Which flow rate should be used cautiously to avoid suppressing the hypoxic drive?
- 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula (Correct answer)
- 5-6 L/min via simple mask
- 10-12 L/min via simple mask
- 15 L/min via non-rebreather mask
Correct answer: 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula
COPD patients rely on low oxygen levels as their primary drive to breathe; low-flow oxygen (1-2 L/min) maintains SpO2 at 88-92% without suppressing this hypoxic drive.
Question 4: Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress?
- Supine
- Trendelenburg
- High Fowler's (90 degrees) (Correct answer)
- Lateral recumbent
Correct answer: High Fowler's (90 degrees)
High Fowler's position promotes maximum lung expansion by allowing the diaphragm to descend fully, improving ventilation and oxygenation.
Question 5: A patient is using a nasal cannula at 4 L/min. What approximate FiO2 is being delivered?
- 24%
- 36% (Correct answer)
- 44%
- 60%
Correct answer: 36%
At 4 L/min via nasal cannula, the approximate FiO2 is 36%; each liter per minute adds approximately 4% above the 21% baseline of room air.
Question 6: What is the most reliable early indicator of respiratory distress in an adult patient?
- Cyanosis
- Restlessness and anxiety (Correct answer)
- Bradycardia
- Decreased respiratory rate
Correct answer: Restlessness and anxiety
Restlessness and anxiety are early signs of hypoxia as the brain detects decreased oxygen; cyanosis is a late sign appearing only after significant desaturation.
Question 7: Which breath sound indicates the presence of fluid in the alveoli or small airways?
- Rhonchi
- Wheezing
- Stridor
- Crackles (rales) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Crackles (rales)
Crackles (rales) are caused by air moving through fluid-filled or collapsed alveoli and small airways, indicating conditions such as pulmonary edema or pneumonia.
LPN Respiratory Care and Oxygenation 1
What is the normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) range for a healthy adult?