ATI RN
Respiratory System NCLEX Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is scheduled to have a tracheostomy placed in an hour. What action by the nurse is the priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure that informed consent is on the chart. This is the priority action because obtaining informed consent is essential before any procedure to ensure that the client understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Administering anxiolytic medication (A) may be necessary but is not the priority. Reinforcing teaching (C) and starting antibiotics (D) are important but not as urgent as ensuring informed consent.
Question 2 of 5
In an older client, the alveolar walls become thinner and contain fewer capillaries. What does this condition lead to?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (Decreased gas exchange). Thinning alveolar walls and reduced capillary density directly impair the diffusion of gases across the alveolar-capillary membrane, leading to decreased gas exchange. While A (loss of elasticity) might occur with aging, it is not the primary consequence here. C (increased stiffness) is incorrect because stiffness typically results from fibrosis or other conditions, not thinning walls. D (decreased numbers of alveoli) could happen but is unrelated to the specific scenario described.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following does the examiner note when auscultating the lungs of a client with pleural effusion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Fluid in the pleural space muffles breath sounds and may be noted during auscultation. A (pronounced breath sounds) is incorrect as they are diminished in pleural effusion. B (friction rub) occurs in pleuritis, not effusion. C (expiratory wheezes) indicates airway obstruction, not fluid accumulation.
Question 4 of 5
As the nurse responsible for this client's care, you anticipate which physician's orders?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with pneumonia has a nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance related to pain, fatigue, and thick secretions. What is an expected outcome for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.