ATI LPN
Exam Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
At the end of normal quiet expiration, just before the start of inspiration, the lungs are said to be in:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After quiet expiration, lungs rest at functional residual capacity (FRC, C) . FRC (~2.5 L) is RV (~1.2 L) plus ERV (~1.3 L) air remaining post-tidal exhale (Vt ~500 mL). RV (A) is after forced expiration. ERV (B) is expirable reserve. IRV (D) is inspiratory reserve (~3 L). At FRC, diaphragm relaxes, intrapleural pressure is -5 cm H2O, and alveolar pressure is 0 mmHg no airflow. C's balance unlike A's minimal volume defines the resting state, per lung volume dynamics (Q28).
Question 2 of 5
The work of breathing is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Work of breathing inversely ties to compliance. Work = pressure × volume; low compliance (e.g., fibrosis, < 0.1 L/cm H2O) demands more pressure (Q40). Exercise raises work (B, false) via demand (O2 use 1-5%). Resistance (C, false) increases it (asthma, Q8). Fibrosis hikes work (D, false, Q1). A's relation unlike B's static claim matches energy cost (~1-2% basal metabolism), per physiology.
Question 3 of 5
In acute diaphragmatic pleurisy involving the central part of the diaphragm, the patient is likely to complain of pain in:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acute diaphragmatic pleurisy, inflammation of the pleural lining over the diaphragm's central portion, typically causes referred pain to the neck and shoulder (A) via the phrenic nerve (C3-C5), which innervates the diaphragm and shares dermatomes with the supraclavicular region. Lateral chest pain (B) aligns with parietal pleura irritation, not central diaphragmatic. Central chest pain (C) suggests mediastinal or cardiac issues, not diaphragmatic referral. Interscapular pain (D) lacks nerve linkage here, and right lower quadrant pain ties to abdominal pathology, not pleural. This referred pattern, distinct from local chest wall pain, is key in diagnosing diaphragmatic involvement e.g., in pneumonia or subphrenic abscess guiding imaging or intervention, a critical chest pain differentiation in clinical practice.
Question 4 of 5
A bloody pleural effusion is consistent with a diagnosis of which of the following:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A bloody pleural effusion aligns with pulmonary embolus (A) and myocardial infarct (C) thus D (A & C). Embolus causes infarction, leaking RBCs into pleura; post-MI (e.g., Dressler's) involves hemorrhagic inflammation. Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis (B) causes abdominal effusion, rarely pleural, and not typically bloody unless complicated. All' overextends pancreatitis lacks direct pleural linkage. Bloody effusions (RBC >10,000/mm³) signal vascular or inflammatory breach, distinguishing from transudates, critical in differential diagnosis via thoracentesis, a chest nursing focus.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following are often associated with malignancy relating to a solitary pulmonary nodule:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Umbilication of a solitary pulmonary nodule's border (D) irregular, notched edge suggests malignancy (e.g., adenocarcinoma), reflecting aggressive growth. Dense (A), core (B), laminated (C), or flecked calcification often indicate benignity (e.g., granuloma, hamartoma) calcification patterns stabilize lesions. Malignant nodules lack uniform calcium, growing unevenly, key in CT analysis for biopsy decisions in chest oncology nursing.