ATI RN
Questions for Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse reviews the arterial blood gas results of a client and notes the following: pH 7.45, PCO2 30, HCO3 20. The nurse analyzes these results as indicating which condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis, fully compensated. The pH is elevated (alkalosis) at 7.45. The low PCO2 of 30 indicates respiratory alkalosis. The HCO3 level of 20 is slightly below normal, indicating metabolic compensation. The body has compensated for the respiratory alkalosis by reducing the HCO3 level. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the given ABG results. A (Metabolic acidosis, compensated) would have low pH and HCO3 levels. C (Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated) would have high pH and HCO3 levels. D (Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated) would have high PCO2 and low pH.
Question 2 of 5
Before administering ephedrine, Nurse Tony assesses the patient's history. Because of ephedrine's central nervous system (CNS) effects, it is not recommended for:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elderly patients. Ephedrine, a sympathomimetic amine, can exacerbate existing CNS conditions in elderly patients, leading to adverse effects like confusion, agitation, and increased risk of falls. Elderly patients are more sensitive to CNS stimulants due to age-related changes in drug metabolism and clearance, making them more susceptible to negative effects. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because patients with acute asthma attacks may benefit from ephedrine's bronchodilator effects, patients with narcolepsy may benefit from its stimulant properties, and age alone is not a contraindication for ephedrine use.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse instructs a female client to use the pursed-lip method of breathing and the client asks the nurse about the purpose of this type of breathing. The nurse responds, knowing that the primary purpose of pursed-lip breathing is to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Promote carbon dioxide elimination. Pursed-lip breathing is a technique used to slow down breathing and help control shortness of breath. By exhaling through pursed lips, it creates back-pressure in the airways, allowing more time for the lungs to empty and facilitating better removal of carbon dioxide. This helps improve oxygenation by optimizing the gas exchange process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because pursed-lip breathing primarily focuses on improving ventilation and gas exchange, not specifically on increasing oxygen intake or strengthening specific respiratory muscles.
Question 4 of 5
An oxygen delivery system is prescribed for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to deliver a precise oxygen concentration. Which of the following types of oxygen delivery systems would the nurse anticipate to be prescribed?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Venturi mask. The Venturi mask delivers a precise oxygen concentration by mixing oxygen with room air through different sized ports, allowing for accurate oxygen delivery. This is important for patients with COPD who require specific oxygen levels to prevent oxygen toxicity or hypoxemia. A: Face mask delivers a less precise oxygen concentration and may not be suitable for patients who require exact oxygen levels. C: Aerosol mask is used for delivering medications or humidified air, not for precise oxygen concentration. D: Tracheostomy collar is used for patients with a tracheostomy and is not typically used for delivering precise oxygen concentration in COPD.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is aware that the characteristic of emphysema that gives rise to the "Pink Puffer" label is the emphysemic patient's:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Normal ABGs. In emphysema, the destruction of alveoli leads to impaired gas exchange, causing respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia. However, "Pink Puffers" maintain normal or slightly low CO2 levels (normal ABGs) due to persistent hyperventilation. This compensatory mechanism helps them maintain adequate oxygen levels despite damaged alveoli. Dyspnea (choice A) and barrel chest (choice B) are common in emphysema but do not specifically contribute to the "Pink Puffer" label. Thin body (choice C) is associated with another type of COPD, chronic bronchitis.