ATI RN
Exam Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Alveolar ventilation in a male with a respiratory rate of 10/min and tidal volume of 600 ml is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 4500ml. Alveolar ventilation is calculated by multiplying tidal volume by respiratory rate. In this case, 600ml (tidal volume) x 10/min (respiratory rate) = 6000ml/min. However, we need to consider dead space ventilation, which is about 150ml. Therefore, the final alveolar ventilation is 6000ml/min - 150ml = 5850ml/min. Since the question asks for alveolar ventilation per minute, the correct answer is the closest option, which is D: 4500ml. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the calculation of alveolar ventilation based on the provided respiratory rate, tidal volume, and dead space ventilation.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is suctioning fluids from a female client through an endotracheal tube. During the suctioning procedure, the nurse notes on the monitor that the heart rate is decreasing. Which if the following is the appropriate nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Stop the procedure and reoxygenate the client. When the nurse notes a decreasing heart rate during suctioning, it could indicate that the client is experiencing hypoxia. Stopping the procedure and providing additional oxygenation is crucial to prevent further complications such as bradycardia or cardiac arrest. Continuing to suction (choice A) can worsen the hypoxia. Notifying the physician immediately (choice B) may cause a delay in addressing the immediate issue. Limiting suction to 15 seconds (choice D) does not address the primary concern of hypoxia and decreasing heart rate.
Question 3 of 5
A 17-year-old male is admitted following an automobile accident. He is very anxious, dyspneic, and in severe pain. The left chest wall moves in during inspiration and balloons out when he exhales. The nurse understands these symptoms are most suggestive of?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flail chest. Flail chest is characterized by paradoxical movement of a segment of the chest wall due to multiple rib fractures. In this case, the left chest wall moving in during inspiration and out during expiration indicates this paradoxical movement. This leads to ineffective breathing, causing dyspnea and anxiety. Hemothorax (A) is accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, not associated with chest wall movement. Atelectasis (C) is collapse of lung tissue, not associated with chest wall movement. Pleural effusion (D) is accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, also not associated with paradoxical chest wall movement.
Question 4 of 5
A 22-year-old female client is experiencing a new-onset asthmatic attack. Which position is best for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: High Fowler's position. This position promotes optimal lung expansion by maximizing chest expansion and allowing for improved airflow. The upright position reduces pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier for the client to breathe. Left and right side-lying positions may restrict lung expansion and worsen breathing difficulties. The supine position with pillows under each arm does not provide the same benefits as the High Fowler's position in terms of respiratory support. Overall, High Fowler's is the most effective position for a client experiencing an asthmatic attack as it facilitates better oxygenation and ventilation.
Question 5 of 5
The movement of both oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body is accomplished by
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: diffusion. Oxygen and carbon dioxide move in and out of cells through simple diffusion, which is the passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This process occurs due to the concentration gradient of these gases. Osmosis (Choice C) is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane, not gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide. Exocytosis and endocytosis (Choice A) involve the transport of larger molecules and particles in and out of cells, not gases. Bulk flow (Choice B) involves the movement of fluids in response to pressure differences, not the specific movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules. Therefore, diffusion is the correct mechanism for the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body due to their small molecular size and the concentration gradient present.