A nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note in the client?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low arterial PaO2. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), there is impaired gas exchange leading to hypoxemia. Low arterial PaO2 indicates poor oxygenation in the blood, a hallmark of ARDS. Decreased respiratory rate (A) is unlikely as the body compensates by increasing respiratory effort. Pallor (B) is a general sign of reduced blood flow and not specific to ARDS. An elevated arterial PaO2 (D) would not be expected in ARDS, as it signifies adequate oxygenation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: vital capacity. Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after taking the deepest breath possible. It is calculated by adding tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume together. This measurement reflects the maximum lung capacity and is important in assessing lung function. Tidal volume (B) is the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing cycles. Pleural volume (C) refers to the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Alveolar volume (D) is the amount of air in the alveoli available for gas exchange. These choices are incorrect as they do not represent the maximum air intake capacity of the lungs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: as the initiator of the cough reflex. The nose does not initiate the cough reflex; rather, it is the respiratory system's response to irritants in the airways. The nose warms, humidifies, and cleanses the air as it passes through, and it also serves as a passageway for air movement. Therefore, the nose does not directly trigger the cough reflex.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A (600-800 millions) because the alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. An adult human lung has approximately 300-400 million alveoli, with two lungs totaling 600-800 million. Choice B (200-300 millions) and C (1-2 millions) are incorrect because they underestimate the total number of alveoli in both lungs. Choice D (100,000-150,000 millions) is incorrect as it overestimates the number of alveoli by a significant margin.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: liberation of energy. Respiration involves the conversion of glucose into ATP, releasing energy that cells can use for various functions. Oxygen is taken in during respiration (A), not liberated (B). Carbon dioxide is released (C) as a byproduct of respiration, not liberated. Option D is correct as it accurately captures the primary purpose of respiration.