ATI RN
Practice Questions for Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
At high altitudes all of the following things occur in an effort to acclimatise EXCEPT
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypoventilation. At high altitudes, the body adapts to the decreased oxygen availability by increasing red blood cell production (polycythaemia) to enhance oxygen-carrying capacity. This is supported by the shift of the oxygen dissociation curve to the right, facilitating oxygen unloading in tissues. Additionally, increased capillaries in peripheral tissues improve oxygen delivery. However, hypoventilation, or decreased breathing rate, is not a typical response to high altitudes. In fact, the body usually compensates by increasing ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Question 2 of 5
A male adult client is suspected of having a pulmonary embolism. A nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of pulmonary embolism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dyspnea. Pulmonary embolism causes a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, leading to decreased oxygenation and subsequent shortness of breath. To assess for pulmonary embolism, a nurse would look for symptoms such as sudden onset dyspnea. Bradypnea (B) refers to abnormally slow breathing rate, which is not typically seen in pulmonary embolism. Bradycardia (C) is a slow heart rate, which may occur in some cases but is not a common clinical manifestation of pulmonary embolism. Decreased respirations (D) is too vague and does not specifically indicate the difficulty in breathing associated with pulmonary embolism.
Question 3 of 5
A long-term COPD client is receiving oxygen at 1 L/minute. Her visiting cousin decides she "doesn't look too good" and increases her oxygen to 7 L/minute. What should the nurse's initial action be?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Immediately decrease the oxygen. Increasing oxygen without physician's order can lead to oxygen toxicity in COPD patients. Step-by-step rationale: 1. Assess the client's condition. 2. Determine the client's baseline oxygen therapy. 3. Recognize that sudden increase in oxygen can suppress the respiratory drive in COPD patients. 4. Decrease oxygen to the prescribed level. Summary: A: Inadequate response, as oxygen adjustment is necessary. C: Not immediate action, physician notification can follow. D: Pertinent to assess, but not the initial action needed in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A client with acute asthma showing inspiratory and expiratory wheezes and a decreased forced expiratory volume should be treated with which of the following classes of medication right away?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bronchodilators. In acute asthma, bronchodilators are the first-line treatment to quickly relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow. Inspiratory and expiratory wheezes indicate airway obstruction, and decreased forced expiratory volume suggests reduced airflow. Beta-adrenergic blockers (A) can worsen asthma symptoms by blocking beta-2 receptors, leading to bronchoconstriction. Inhaled steroids (C) are used for long-term asthma control and not for acute exacerbations. Oral steroids (D) are typically used in severe asthma exacerbations requiring systemic anti-inflammatory effects and are not the immediate first-line treatment for acute asthma.
Question 5 of 5
Which vertebrate body system is most closely associated functionally with respiration?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: circulatory system. This system is most closely associated with respiration as it transports oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and removes carbon dioxide. The circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The other choices (A: urinary, B: digestive, C: endocrine) are not directly involved in the process of respiration and do not play a significant role in the exchange of gases in the body.