ATI RN
Questions About the Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male adult patient hospitalized for treatment of a pulmonary embolism develops respiratory alkalosis. Which clinical findings commonly accompany respiratory alkalosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lightheadedness or paresthesia. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels and an increase in pH. This can result in symptoms such as lightheadedness (from decreased cerebral blood flow) and paresthesia (tingling sensations due to changes in calcium ionization). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are more commonly seen in metabolic alkalosis, while hallucinations and tinnitus are not typical symptoms of respiratory alkalosis.
Question 2 of 5
A client who is human immunodeficiency virus-positive has had a Mantoux skin test. The nurse notes a 7-mm area of induration at the site of the skin test. The nurse interprets the results as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Positive. In individuals with HIV, a positive Mantoux test is considered when the induration is 5 mm or greater. A 7-mm area of induration indicates a positive result, suggesting an immune response to the tuberculin antigen, potentially due to latent tuberculosis infection. The other choices are incorrect because a 7-mm induration in an HIV-positive client is not considered negative, inconclusive, or indicative of the need for repeat testing based on current guidelines.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse recognizes that a rising PaCO2 level in a COPD patient means that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer C is correct: 1. In COPD, impaired lung function leads to inadequate ventilation and CO2 retention. 2. Rising PaCO2 indicates inadequate CO2 removal, leading to respiratory acidosis. 3. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low pH and high PaCO2 levels. 4. This condition can worsen COPD symptoms and lead to respiratory failure. Summary: Option A is incorrect as rising PaCO2 indicates hypoxemia. Option B is incorrect as ventilation-perfusion imbalance worsens in COPD. Option D is incorrect as anticholinergics do not directly affect PaCO2 levels in COPD.
Question 4 of 5
In describing the parts of the respiratory system, the word 'septum' designates a partition in the
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: nasal cavities. The term "septum" refers to a partition or dividing wall that separates two cavities. In the context of the respiratory system, the nasal septum divides the nasal cavities into left and right sides. This separation helps to regulate airflow and also provides structural support for the nasal passages. Other choices are incorrect because: A: The larynx is not typically associated with a septum. It is primarily responsible for vocalization and protecting the airway. C: The pharynx is a passageway for air and food, but it does not contain a septum dividing it into distinct sections. D: The glottis is the space between the vocal cords in the larynx and does not have a septum separating it into parts.
Question 5 of 5
Hemoglobin gives up O2 when
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: carbon dioxide concentrations are high. When carbon dioxide levels are high, it leads to a decrease in blood pH, triggering hemoglobin to release oxygen more readily through the Bohr effect. This is a physiological response to maintain homeostasis. The other choices (B, C, D) do not directly affect the release of oxygen from hemoglobin.