ATI RN
Respiratory System NCLEX Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During inspiration, air passes into lungs due to
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Increase in volume of thoracic cavity and fall in lung pressure Rationale: 1. During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. 2. The external intercostal muscles also contract, lifting the ribcage and further expanding the thoracic cavity. 3. As thoracic cavity volume increases, lung pressure decreases, creating a pressure gradient that allows air to flow into the lungs. Summary: B: Fall in pressure inside the lungs - This is a consequence of the increase in thoracic cavity volume, not the cause of air entering the lungs. C: Increased volume of thoracic cavity - This is correct but does not explain how air enters the lungs. D: Muscular expansion of lungs - Lungs do not expand on their own; it is the thoracic cavity that expands to create the pressure gradient for air entry.
Question 2 of 5
A client is scheduled to have a tracheostomy placed in an hour. What action by the nurse is the priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure that informed consent is on the chart. This is the priority action because obtaining informed consent is essential before any procedure to ensure that the client understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Administering anxiolytic medication (A) may be necessary but is not the priority. Reinforcing teaching (C) and starting antibiotics (D) are important but not as urgent as ensuring informed consent.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse cares for a client who has packing inserted for posterior nasal bleeding. What action would the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assess the client's airway. This is the priority action as airway patency is always the top priority in any emergency situation. In this case, posterior nasal bleeding can lead to blood flow into the throat, potentially obstructing the airway. Ensuring the client's airway is clear and maintaining adequate oxygenation is crucial for their safety. Choice A (Assess the client's pain level) is not the priority when there is a potential risk to the airway. Choice B (Keep the client's head elevated) may be done after confirming airway patency. Choice C (Teach the client about the causes of nasal bleeding) is important but not the immediate priority in this situation.
Question 4 of 5
In an older client, the alveolar walls become thinner and contain fewer capillaries. What does this condition lead to?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (Decreased gas exchange). Thinning alveolar walls and reduced capillary density directly impair the diffusion of gases across the alveolar-capillary membrane, leading to decreased gas exchange. While A (loss of elasticity) might occur with aging, it is not the primary consequence here. C (increased stiffness) is incorrect because stiffness typically results from fibrosis or other conditions, not thinning walls. D (decreased numbers of alveoli) could happen but is unrelated to the specific scenario described.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following does the examiner note when auscultating the lungs of a client with pleural effusion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Fluid in the pleural space muffles breath sounds and may be noted during auscultation. A (pronounced breath sounds) is incorrect as they are diminished in pleural effusion. B (friction rub) occurs in pleuritis, not effusion. C (expiratory wheezes) indicates airway obstruction, not fluid accumulation.