ATI RN
ATI RN Targeted Medical Surgical Respiratory Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has emphysema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Dyspnea, barrel chest, and shallow respirations are hallmark symptoms of emphysema due to reduced lung elasticity, air trapping, and hyperinflation. Clubbing of the fingers is more associated with chronic hypoxia in conditions like lung cancer or cystic fibrosis, not typically emphysema. Bradycardia is not expected; tachycardia may occur due to compensatory mechanisms for low oxygen levels.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is checking the suction control chamber of a client's chest tube and notes that there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The absence of bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates a lack of suction, which is not an expected finding. Verifying that the suction regulator is on is the first step to troubleshoot the issue, as it directly addresses the potential cause of the problem.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is postoperative and has a respiratory rate of 7/min. The arterial blood gas (ABG) values include: pH 7.22 PaCO2 68 mm Hg Base excess -2 PaO2 78 mm Hg Oxygen saturation 80% Bicarbonate 28 mEq/L. Which of the following interpretations of the ABG values should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The low pH (7.22) and elevated PaCO2 (68 mm Hg) indicate respiratory acidosis, as the accumulation of carbon dioxide lowers the blood pH. The bicarbonate level is slightly elevated, suggesting partial compensation, but not indicative of metabolic alkalosis or acidosis.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching on actions that improve gas exchange to a client diagnosed with emphysema. Which of the following instructions should be included in the teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps maintain positive airway pressure during exhalation, preventing airway collapse and improving gas exchange in emphysema. Supine positioning may worsen dyspnea, a low-protein diet is not beneficial, and limiting fluids can thicken secretions, impeding clearance.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is collecting data from a client who is having an acute asthma exacerbation. When auscultating the client's chest, the nurse should expect to hear which of the following sounds?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Expiratory wheezes are high-pitched sounds caused by narrowed airways during an asthma exacerbation, resulting from bronchoconstriction and inflammation. Pleural friction rubs, fine rales, and rhonchi are associated with other conditions like pleurisy, pulmonary edema, or mucus obstruction, respectively.