ATI RN
Questions and Answers on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assisting a physician with the removal of a chest tube. The nurse should instruct the client to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Perform the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver involves holding the breath and bearing down, which helps prevent air from entering the pleural space during chest tube removal, reducing the risk of a pneumothorax. Exhaling slowly (A) or inhaling and exhaling quickly (C) can increase the risk of air entering the pleural space. Staying very still (B) is important to minimize movement during the procedure, but performing the Valsalva maneuver is crucial to prevent complications.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse advises the parents of a child who is in status asthmaticus that if not corrected, the result could be:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because status asthmaticus can lead to pneumothorax due to increased air trapping, severe hypoxemia from impaired gas exchange, and respiratory arrest from respiratory muscle fatigue. Pneumothorax can occur due to increased intrathoracic pressure during an asthma attack. Hypertension, CVA, and cardiac arrest (choice B) are not typical complications of status asthmaticus. Respiratory alkalosis, pneumonia, and death (choice C) are less likely outcomes compared to the severe complications mentioned in choice A. Lung abscess, cor pulmonale, and respiratory failure (choice D) are not directly associated with the pathophysiology of status asthmaticus.
Question 3 of 5
Food and drink are prevented from entering the respiratory passageways during swallowing by means of the
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: epiglottis. During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the opening of the larynx to prevent food and drink from entering the respiratory passageways. It acts as a lid that directs food and liquids to the esophagus instead of the trachea. The glottis (choice A) is the space between the vocal cords, the pharynx (choice B) is the passageway for food and air, and the larynx (choice D) contains the vocal cords. The epiglottis specifically functions to protect the airway during swallowing.
Question 4 of 5
The human vocal cords are located in the
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: larynx. The vocal cords are located in the larynx, specifically in the upper part known as the glottis. The glottis is a space within the larynx where the vocal cords are situated. The pharynx (B) is the passageway for both food and air, the trachea (D) is the windpipe connecting the larynx to the lungs. The vocal cords are responsible for producing sound by vibrating as air passes through them, and this process occurs in the larynx. Therefore, the correct answer is C: larynx.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the body systems listed below cooperate to supply O2 to cells and eliminate CO2? 1) digestive system 2) cardiovascular system 3) urinary system 4) respiratory system 5) endocrine system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (2, 4) - cardiovascular system and respiratory system. The cardiovascular system transports O2 from the lungs to the cells and carries CO2 away for elimination by the respiratory system. The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange, bringing O2 into the body and removing CO2. The other choices are incorrect because: A (3, 5) - The urinary system (3) filters waste from the blood and maintains fluid balance, while the endocrine system (5) regulates hormones and metabolism; neither directly supply O2 or eliminate CO2. C (1, 2) - The digestive system (1) processes food and absorbs nutrients, not involved in gas exchange; the cardiovascular system (2) does cooperate but alone is not sufficient. D (1, 2, 2004) - Choice 2004 is incorrect as it is not a valid option.