Mechanical Ventilation NCLEX Questions - 2023 Practice Test

Mastering the art and science of nursing requires a comprehensive understanding of essential concepts, and one critical aspect is mechanical ventilation. As the healthcare landscape evolves, staying up-to-date with the latest knowledge is paramount, especially for those preparing to conquer the NCLEX. 

If you're starting the journey to become a nurse, our practice test featuring mechanical ventilation NCLEX questions is your compass to success. 

Join us as we delve into scenarios that test your critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills in the realm of mechanical ventilation. 

Mechanical ventilation NCLEX questions

As a prospective nurse, you comprehend the significance of successfully completing the NCLEX as a pivotal step in your professional journey. This is where Smart'n comes into play, offering its support. 

This resource for NCLEX preparation provides you with an extensive number of practice questions accompanied by explanations, streamlining and enhancing your NCLEX experience. Featuring a comprehensive compilation of 2500 individualized NCLEX practice questions and over 60 hours of NGN nursing case studies, you will be equipped with the necessary resources to excel on the day of the exam.

Smart'n acknowledges the distinct learning needs and strengths of each student, thus customized practice questions to align precisely with your specific requirements. This customized approach ensures that you can dedicate your time and energy to the areas demanding the utmost attention, leading to a more targeted and effective refinement of your knowledge and competencies. 

In this article, we have assembled a set of five ventilator NCLEX questions along with their answers. Explore these mechanical ventilation NCLEX questions to and test your knowledge.

Question 1:

A patient has been placed on mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The healthcare provider orders positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to be added to the ventilator settings. What is the rationale for adding PEEP?

A) To increase the patient's oxygen saturation.

B) To reduce the risk of barotrauma.

C) To decrease the patient's respiratory rate.

D) To prevent the need for sedation.

Correct answer: B) To reduce the risk of barotrauma.

Rationale: Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is added to mechanical ventilation to improve oxygenation by keeping the alveoli open at the end of expiration, which helps to recruit collapsed alveoli and increase lung compliance. It also helps to reduce the risk of barotrauma by preventing alveolar collapse and reducing the need for high peak inspiratory pressures. PEEP doesn't directly affect the patient's oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, or the need for sedation.

Question 2:

A patient receiving mechanical ventilation has developed an increased peak airway pressure. What could be the possible cause of this increase?

A) Decreased lung compliance.

B) Decreased tidal volume.

C) Increased oxygen saturation.

D) Increased sedation level.

Correct answer: A) Decreased lung compliance.

Rationale: Increased peak airway pressure is often caused by decreased lung compliance, which can result from conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or ARDS. It indicates that the lungs are becoming stiff and difficult to inflate. Decreased tidal volume could contribute to low minute ventilation, but it wouldn't necessarily cause an increase in peak airway pressure. Increased oxygen saturation and sedation level are not directly related to increased peak airway pressure.

Question 3:

A patient on mechanical ventilation is experiencing increased respiratory rate, decreased tidal volume, and respiratory alkalosis. Which mode of ventilation could be most appropriate to address these issues?

A) Assist-Control Ventilation (ACV).

B) Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV).

C) Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV).

D) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).

Correct answer: A) Assist-Control Ventilation (ACV).

Rationale: In ACV mode, the ventilator delivers a set tidal volume at a predetermined respiratory rate. This can help address the patient's increased respiratory rate and decreased tidal volume by ensuring that each breath has a consistent volume. ACV is commonly used in situations where the patient is experiencing significant respiratory distress and requires full ventilatory support. PSV, SIMV, and CPAP are not designed to address the described combination of issues.

Question 4:

A patient receiving mechanical ventilation develops hypotension and decreased cardiac output. Which ventilator parameter should the nurse assess first?

A) Tidal volume.

B) Respiratory rate.

C) Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

D) Inspiratory time.

Correct answer: C) Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

Rationale: Hypotension and decreased cardiac output can be exacerbated by increased intrathoracic pressure caused by high levels of PEEP. By assessing and adjusting PEEP, the nurse can help optimize cardiac output and hemodynamic stability. While tidal volume, respiratory rate, and inspiratory time are important parameters, they are not the primary considerations when addressing hypotension and decreased cardiac output in a patient on mechanical ventilation.

Question 5:

A patient has been placed on synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) mode of mechanical ventilation. What is the primary advantage of SIMV mode?

A) It provides full ventilatory support.

B) It allows the patient to initiate breaths spontaneously.

C) It maintains a consistent tidal volume with each breath.

D) It minimizes the risk of respiratory alkalosis.

Correct answer: B) It allows the patient to initiate breaths spontaneously.

Rationale: In SIMV mode, the patient is able to initiate spontaneous breaths between the mandatory breaths delivered by the ventilator. This mode allows the patient to have some control over their breathing and can support weaning from mechanical ventilation. While it doesn't provide full ventilatory support like ACV, it promotes spontaneous breathing efforts. Consistent tidal volume and respiratory alkalosis are not specific advantages of SIMV mode.

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The importance of mechanical ventilation NCLEX questions

Mechanical ventilation NCLEX questions are crucial because they:

• Ensure patient safety and care, especially in critical scenarios.

• Test interdisciplinary collaboration skills.

• Evaluate knowledge of respiratory physiology.

• Assess assessment, monitoring, and complication management.

• Gauge understanding of ethical, legal, and patient education aspects.

• Check familiarity with evidence-based practices and critical thinking skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mechanical ventilation NCLEX questions hold pivotal importance as they assess a nurse's proficiency in critical areas such as patient safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, respiratory physiology, complication management, ethical considerations, evidence-based practices, and critical thinking. These questions ensure that nurses are well-equipped to provide competent care to patients requiring mechanical ventilation in diverse healthcare settings.