NCLEX Questions About COPD: Important Concepts & Questions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the most commonly tested respiratory conditions on the NCLEX exam. Whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, understanding how to approach NCLEX questions about COPD is essential. This guide will help you break down everything you need to know, from signs and symptoms to treatment priorities and sample questions, using a clear, easy-to-read format.

What Is COPD?

COPD is a progressive, irreversible lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both of which damage the airways and lungs.

Causes:

• Smoking (most common)

• Environmental pollutants

• Long-term exposure to harmful fumes or dust

• Genetic disorders like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Key NCLEX Concepts Related to COPD

When preparing for NCLEX questions about COPD, it’s important to focus on the following high-yield concepts:

Nursing Assessment in COPD

A typical COPD NCLEX question might focus on what signs or symptoms you would expect to see.

Common Symptoms:

• Chronic productive cough

• Dyspnea on exertion

• Wheezing

• Pursed-lip breathing

• Fatigue

• Clubbing of fingers

Vital Sign Considerations:

• Increased respiratory rate (tachypnea)

• Low O₂ saturation (SpO₂ 88–92%)

• Elevated heart rate (tachycardia)

Nursing Interventions for COPD Patients

On the NCLEX, you may be asked about the nursing interventions that are appropriate for someone with COPD.

Priority Nursing Actions:

• Administer oxygen therapy as prescribed (usually low-flow)

• Encourage effective coughing and deep breathing

• Position in high Fowler’s or tripod position

• Monitor respiratory effort and lung sounds

• Provide small, frequent meals (to reduce fatigue)

• Encourage fluid intake (to loosen mucus)

• Educate on smoking cessation

Oxygen Therapy in COPD: NCLEX Focus

One of the most tested concepts is oxygen administration. The key is to remember that COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive—too much oxygen can decrease their respiratory effort.

NCLEX Tip: The correct answer often involves low-flow oxygen therapy via nasal cannula at 1–2 L/min.

Medications for COPD You Should Know

Commonly Tested Drug Classes:

Nutrition and COPD: What NCLEX Might Ask

Nutrition questions come up frequently.

• High-calorie, high-protein diet

• Small, frequent meals

• Avoid gas-producing foods

• Encourage rest before meals

NCLEX Tip: The answer may include “offer frequent, high-calorie meals” to combat weight loss and fatigue.

Patient Education Topics

Expect at least one NCLEX question on patient teaching.

Sample NCLEX-Style Questions About COPD

Here are some sample NCLEX questions about COPD with rationales to guide your study.

Question 1:

A nurse is caring for a patient with COPD. Which of the following oxygen delivery methods is most appropriate?

A. Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Venturi mask at 40% FiO₂
C. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
D. Simple face mask at 6 L/min

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: COPD patients should be on low-flow oxygen to avoid suppressing their hypoxic drive.

Question 2:

Which clinical finding indicates improvement in a COPD patient?

A. Use of accessory muscles during breathing
B. SpO₂ increased from 85% to 90%
C. Barrel-shaped chest noted
D. Decreased breath sounds in lower lobes

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: O₂ saturation improvement is an objective sign of progress.

Question 3:

Which statement by a COPD patient indicates the need for more teaching?

A. “I will avoid cold weather when possible.”
B. “I will use my inhaler before meals.”
C. “I will lie flat while sleeping to rest better.”
D. “I will get the flu shot every year.”

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: COPD patients should sleep in an elevated position to aid breathing.

COPD and NCLEX: Key Test Strategies

Top Test-Taking Tips:

• Prioritize airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC)

• Choose answers that promote oxygenation

• Low oxygen = expected in COPD; avoid overcorrecting

• Infection prevention is key (encourage vaccines)

• Know early vs late signs of hypoxia

Final Thoughts

Understanding NCLEX questions about COPD is a crucial part of your exam prep. From recognizing symptoms and identifying priority interventions to choosing the right patient education strategies, this respiratory topic touches nearly every area of nursing care.

When studying, focus on:

• Respiratory assessment

• Safe oxygen use

• Inhaler use and medications

• High-yield nursing interventions

• NCLEX-style questions and rationales

With this guide and consistent practice using NCLEX COPD questions, you’ll be better prepared to handle these questions confidently on exam day. The questions and concepts regarding NCLEX RN infection control are also covered by Nexus Nursing Institute.