ATI RN
Questions for the Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 10 percent increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the blood will
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A 10% increase in CO2 levels triggers chemoreceptors to signal the brainstem, increasing the respiratory rate to eliminate excess CO2. This is known as hypercapnia-induced hyperventilation. Option A is incorrect because an increase in CO2 levels would not decrease the rate of breathing. Option C is incorrect because an increase in CO2 would actually stimulate an increase in pulmonary ventilation to remove the excess CO2. Option D is incorrect because alveolar ventilation (gas exchange in the lungs) would increase, not decrease, to maintain proper oxygen and CO2 levels in the body.
Question 2 of 5
What is the main goal of treatment in heart failure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The main goal of treatment in heart failure is to manage symptoms, improve heart function, and enhance quality of life. This involves optimizing medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes devices or surgeries. Increasing blood pressure (A) is not the goal as high blood pressure can worsen heart failure. Curing the underlying cause (B) may not always be possible, so the focus is on managing symptoms. Inducing weight loss (D) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the primary goal of treatment for heart failure.
Question 3 of 5
During inspiration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts, causing it to move downward and increase the thoracic space. This creates a negative pressure in the lungs, allowing air to rush in. Choice A is incorrect as the diaphragm contracts rather than relaxes during inspiration. Choice B is incorrect since other muscles like the external intercostals also aid in expanding the thoracic cavity. Choice D is incorrect because it combines a correct statement with an incorrect one. Therefore, the correct answer is C as it accurately describes the process of inspiration involving both diaphragm contraction and an increase in thoracic space.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing the patient with influenza. The patient reports having general malaise and aching muscles over the past 2 weeks. The nurse suspects that the patient may have developed which complication of influenza?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bacterial pneumonia. Influenza can weaken the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia. Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia, such as persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, align with the patient's reported general malaise and muscle aches. Bronchitis (A) is a common complication of influenza but is usually characterized by cough with or without phlegm. Urinary infection (C) and encephalitis (D) are less likely in this scenario as the patient's symptoms are more indicative of a respiratory complication.
Question 5 of 5
Where is carbonic anhydrase commonly found in the body?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lungs. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that catalyzes the interconversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid, which plays a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance in the body. In the lungs, carbonic anhydrase helps regulate the levels of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate in the blood by facilitating the exchange of gases during respiration. This enzyme is not predominantly found in the liver, kidneys, or stomach, as their functions are not directly related to gas exchange or acid-base balance.