ATI RN
Questions of Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
During swallowing, the glottis is covered by
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The epiglottis covers the glottis during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. This helps protect the lungs from aspiration. False vocal cords (A) are not directly involved in this process. True vocal cords (B) are responsible for producing sound and are located below the glottis. Adam's apple (D) is the laryngeal prominence formed by the thyroid cartilage and does not cover the glottis during swallowing. Therefore, the correct answer is C (epiglottis).
Question 2 of 5
During one circuit of blood from lungs to the tissue and back through the circulatory system the percentage of haemoglobin giving the oxygen is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (25%). In the lungs, oxygen binds to hemoglobin to form oxyhemoglobin. This increases the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin to around 97-98%. As blood travels to the tissues, oxygen is released from hemoglobin to be used by the cells. By the time blood returns to the lungs, only about 25% of the hemoglobin is still carrying oxygen. This is known as the oxygen saturation curve. Choice A (50%) is incorrect because the percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen drops significantly as blood travels to the tissues. Choice C (75%) is incorrect because by the time blood returns to the lungs, more than 25% of the hemoglobin has already released its oxygen. Choice D (100%) is incorrect because not all hemoglobin molecules carry oxygen at the same time; it depends on the oxygen tension in the environment.
Question 3 of 5
A client has a tracheostomy tube in place. When the nurse suctions the client food particles are noted. What action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Measure and compare cuff pressures. When food particles are noted during suctioning, it indicates a potential issue with the tracheostomy tube cuff. By measuring and comparing cuff pressures, the nurse can ensure the cuff is properly inflated to prevent aspiration of food particles into the lungs. Elevating the head of the bed (choice A) is a standard practice for preventing aspiration but does not address the specific issue of cuff pressure. Placing the client on NPO status (choice C) is not necessary if the cuff pressure is the main concern. Requesting a swallow study (choice D) may be needed eventually but is not the immediate priority when food particles are already present.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who had a modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (modUPPP) earlier in the day for obstructive sleep apnea. Which assessment finding indicates that a priority goal has been met?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C because the ability to swallow own secretions without drooling indicates that the client's airway is patent and functional post modUPPP, a priority goal for this procedure. This assessment finding ensures that the client can maintain a clear airway and prevent complications such as aspiration. Incorrect choices: A: Although pain control is important, it is not a priority assessment for this specific procedure. B: Absence of foul odor or red mucus membranes is not directly related to the airway patency or swallowing ability. D: While normal vital signs are reassuring, they do not directly indicate the success of the surgery in improving airway function.
Question 5 of 5
How is a client positioned for a thoracentesis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. For thoracentesis, the client typically sits at the edge of the bed, leaning forward with arms supported on a table or over their knees to spread out the intercostal spaces and stabilize the chest wall. B is incorrect because lying on the affected side would compress the area being accessed. C is wrong as lying flat reduces access to the pleural space. D is incorrect because raising the head is not standard positioning for this procedure.