ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions for Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
During inhalation,
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This decrease in pressure within the thoracic cavity creates a pressure gradient, causing air to flow into the lungs where the pressure is now higher. Choice B is correct because the pressure in the thoracic cavity is indeed less than the pressure within the lungs during inhalation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because during inhalation, the pressure in the thoracic cavity decreases, the diaphragm moves downward and flattens, and the chest cavity volume increases to allow for air intake.
Question 2 of 5
If the thoracic wall but not lungs is punctured
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because if the thoracic wall is punctured but not the lungs, air will enter the pleural cavity causing a pneumothorax. This leads to lung collapse and can result in death due to impaired gas exchange. Choices A and C are incorrect as the lungs do not get inflated and breathing rate does not decrease. Choice D is incorrect as the breathing rate actually increases in response to the decreased lung function.
Question 3 of 5
The greatest quantity of air that can be expired after a maximum inspiratory effort is its
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vital capacity. Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation. It is the sum of tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume. Residual volume (A) is the air left in the lungs after maximum exhalation. Tidal volume (B) is the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing. Lung volume (D) is a general term and not a specific measure of air quantity. Thus, vital capacity is the best choice as it accounts for the maximum air that can be expired after a deep inhalation.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse plans care for a client who is experiencing dyspnea and must stop multiple times when climbing a flight of stairs. Which intervention would the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assistance with activities of daily living. This intervention helps conserve the client's energy by reducing the physical exertion required for activities like climbing stairs. It promotes independence while ensuring safety and preventing further exacerbation of dyspnea. Physical therapy activities every day (B) may be too strenuous for a client experiencing dyspnea. Oxygen therapy at 2 L per nasal cannula (C) may be necessary for severe cases but does not address the client's functional limitations. Complete bedrest with frequent repositioning (D) may lead to deconditioning and worsen the client's dyspnea.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse assesses clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client is at greatest risk for development of obstructive sleep apnea?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, a 55-year-old woman who is 50 lb overweight. Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to excess fat in the neck area that can obstruct the airway during sleep. This increases the likelihood of experiencing breathing pauses. Pregnancy (choice A) may cause temporary OSA due to hormonal changes, but it's not the greatest risk factor among the options provided. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (choice B) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (choice D) are associated with sleep disturbances, but they are not as directly linked to OSA as obesity.