Respiratory Disorders & Critical Interventions — COPD, Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Pulmonary Embolism, and NCLEX Nursing Priorities | Chapter 47: Saunders NCLEX-PN Review

Respiratory Disorders & Critical Interventions — COPD, Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Pulmonary Embolism, and NCLEX Nursing Priorities | Chapter 47: Saunders NCLEX-PN Review

Chapter 47 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri delivers a thorough review of respiratory anatomy, diagnostics, common and critical disorders, and evidence-based nursing interventions. It integrates acute and chronic care concepts with NCLEX-style preparation, ensuring mastery of respiratory assessment, oxygen therapy, emergency response, and patient education.

Watch the lecture above for an overview, then use the expanded breakdown below to prepare for respiratory-focused NCLEX questions.

Saunders NCLEX-PN Examination Review book cover

Respiratory Anatomy, Physiology & Diagnostics

  • Key Structures: Upper and lower airways, alveoli, pleura, respiratory muscles
  • Diagnostic Tests: CXR, ABGs, sputum culture, bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, pulmonary function tests, lung biopsy, V/Q scan

Common & Critical Respiratory Disorders

  • COPD & Asthma: Pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen flow rate safety
  • Pneumonia: Fever, crackles, increased sputum, hydration, incentive spirometry, antibiotics
  • Tuberculosis: Airborne precautions, multi-drug regimen, sputum cultures, home isolation protocols, BCG vaccine considerations
  • Pleural Conditions: Pleural effusion, empyema, pleurisy — causes, thoracentesis, chest tube use
  • Pulmonary Embolism: Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, heparin therapy, rapid response
  • ARDS & Acute Respiratory Failure: Hypoxemia, mechanical ventilation, fluid restriction, oxygenation strategies
  • Chest Trauma: Rib fractures, flail chest, pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax — emergency decompression, chest tube setup

Oxygen Therapy & Ventilation

  • Delivery devices: Nasal cannula, simple mask, non-rebreather, CPAP, BiPAP, trach collar
  • Mechanical ventilation — settings, alarm troubleshooting, suctioning protocols, sedation monitoring

Emergency & Critical Care Interventions

  • Tension Pneumothorax: Immediate needle decompression, chest tube placement
  • Status Asthmaticus: High-dose bronchodilators, corticosteroids, possible intubation
  • Pulmonary Embolism: Oxygen therapy, anticoagulation, thrombolytics as indicated

Breathing Exercises & Rehabilitation

  • Pursed-lip breathing, huff coughing, incentive spirometry
  • Client teaching on respiratory hygiene, smoking cessation, oxygen safety

NCLEX Nursing Priorities

  • Maintain airway patency and optimal oxygenation
  • Recognize early signs of respiratory distress and escalate care
  • Follow infection control and isolation protocols
  • Educate patients on home oxygen use, inhaler technique, and prevention strategies

Conclusion

This chapter bridges pathophysiology with real-world nursing care, preparing NCLEX-PN candidates to manage respiratory conditions safely and effectively in both acute and long-term care settings.

Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-focused textbook breakdowns and respiratory care study aids.

View the full Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) playlist here: Complete NCLEX-PN Review Playlist

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Behavior Therapies & Evidence-Based Practice — Chapter 9 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy

Image
Behavior Therapies & Evidence-Based Practice — Chapter 9 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy Chapter 9 of Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis explores the robust field of behavior therapies, which focus on changing maladaptive behaviors through practical, empirical methods. These approaches, grounded in learning theory and continuous assessment, have become foundational in treating a range of psychological conditions. This expanded summary, based on our podcast-style breakdown of Chapter 9 , highlights the key techniques, theoretical foundations, and clinical applications of behavior therapy. Want a concise video guide? Watch the chapter summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more psychology study resources! The Foundations of Behavior Therapy Behavior therapy focuses on observable, measurable changes in behavior rather than probing unconscious processes. Using empirical methods, therapists continuously assess and adjust treatmen...
Read more

Cognitive & Rational-Emotive Therapies — Chapter 10 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy

Image
Cognitive & Rational-Emotive Therapies — Chapter 10 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy Chapter 10 of Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis explores the evolution and techniques of Cognitive Therapy (CT) and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Developed by Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, these therapies target the root of emotional distress by challenging and changing maladaptive thought patterns. This in-depth summary, based on our podcast breakdown of Chapter 10 , explains the major concepts, therapeutic techniques, and clinical impact of these cognitive-based approaches. Watch the chapter summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for expert textbook guides and psychology study resources! The Foundations of Cognitive Therapy & REBT Cognitive therapies emerged in response to limitations of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, emphasizing the role of thoughts in shaping emotions and behaviors. Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Therapy and Albert E...
Read more

Materials Failure: Fracture, Fatigue, and Creep — Chapter 8 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering

Image
Materials Failure: Fracture, Fatigue, and Creep — Chapter 8 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering Chapter 8 of Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction by William D. Callister, Jr. and David G. Rethwisch explores the primary failure modes in engineering materials: fracture, fatigue, and creep. This chapter is essential for anyone interested in the reliability, durability, and safety of materials used in engineering structures and components. By understanding these mechanisms, engineers can design safer, longer-lasting products and infrastructure. Watch the full podcast-style summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more clear, chapter-by-chapter breakdowns of foundational STEM topics! Fracture: Ductile vs. Brittle Failure Ductile fracture involves significant plastic deformation and energy absorption prior to failure. It usually provides visual warning signs, making it the preferred mode in most engineering applications. I...
Read more