ATI RN
Respiratory System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is teaching a client about possible complications and hazards of home oxygen therapy. About which complications doesn't the nurse plan to teach the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D - Alveolar recruitment. This is because alveolar recruitment is actually a benefit of home oxygen therapy, not a complication. It helps improve oxygenation by opening up collapsed alveoli. A - Absorptive atelectasis is a potential complication where nitrogen is absorbed from the alveoli leading to collapse. B - Combustion is a hazard due to oxygen's flammability. C - Dried mucous membranes is a common complication of oxygen therapy due to the drying effect of oxygen.
Question 2 of 5
What does a nurse assess postoperatively in a client with a nasal fracture?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Airway obstruction is a critical concern after a nasal fracture due to potential swelling or displacement of bone fragments. A (allergic reaction) is unrelated. C (extreme sense of smell) is not a concern postoperatively. D (stridor) indicates severe airway compromise but is less common in nasal fractures.
Question 3 of 5
You are the team leader RN working with a student nurse. The student nurse is to teach the client how to use a multidose inhaler without a spacer. Put the steps that the student nurse should teach the client in correct order.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct sequence of steps for using a multidose inhaler without a spacer is to wait at least 1 minute between puffs (Option D). This is crucial to allow the medication to settle in the airways and maximize its effectiveness. Option A is incorrect because shaking the inhaler should be done before removing the cap. Option B is incorrect as the client should tilt their head back and breathe out after shaking the inhaler. Option C is incorrect as pressing down on the canister and breathing deeply through the mouth should follow tilting the head back and breathing out. In an educational context, it's important for the student nurse to understand the proper sequence of steps for using an inhaler to ensure the client receives the correct dosage of medication. Emphasizing the importance of following the correct order of steps can prevent potential errors and enhance patient outcomes. Educating patients on proper inhaler technique is crucial for managing respiratory conditions effectively.
Question 4 of 5
What keeps alveoli from collapsing?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Surfactant. Surfactant is a substance produced by type II alveolar cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension within the alveoli. This reduction in surface tension prevents the alveoli from collapsing by helping to keep them open during exhalation. Without surfactant, the alveoli would collapse at the end of each exhalation, making it difficult for gas exchange to occur efficiently. Option A) Carina is incorrect because the carina is a ridge of cartilage in the trachea that helps to separate the openings to the left and right main bronchi. It does not play a role in preventing alveolar collapse. Option C) Empyema is incorrect as it refers to a collection of pus in the pleural cavity, which is not directly related to the stability of the alveoli. Option D) Thoracic cage is incorrect as it refers to the framework of bones and cartilage that surrounds and protects the lungs. While the thoracic cage provides structural support to the lungs, it does not directly prevent alveolar collapse. Understanding the role of surfactant in maintaining the patency of alveoli is crucial in the study of respiratory physiology. This knowledge is essential for healthcare professionals to understand conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome in infants, where insufficient surfactant production can lead to alveolar collapse and breathing difficulties. It also underscores the importance of surfactant replacement therapy in managing such conditions.
Question 5 of 5
What is the best action for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the best action for the nurse to take. Staying with the patient and encouraging slow, pursed lip breathing is the correct choice because it can help the patient manage their respiratory distress effectively. Pursed lip breathing can improve oxygenation and decrease respiratory rate, which is beneficial during respiratory distress episodes. Option A is incorrect as leaving the patient alone may increase their anxiety and worsen the situation. Option C, reassuring the patient that the attack can be controlled with treatment, is not as immediately helpful as providing breathing techniques. Option D, informing the patient about monitoring, is important but not as critical as providing direct intervention during a respiratory distress episode. In an educational context, it's crucial for nurses to be skilled in managing respiratory distress and providing immediate interventions like pursed lip breathing. This question highlights the importance of hands-on interventions during acute episodes and reinforces the significance of therapeutic communication and patient support in nursing practice.