ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
For a female patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which nursing intervention would help maintain a patent airway?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Teaching the patient how to perform controlled coughing. This intervention helps to clear mucus and secretions from the airways, maintaining a patent airway. Controlled coughing also prevents airway obstruction and promotes effective breathing. Restricting fluid intake (A) can lead to dehydration and thickening of secretions, worsening airway clearance. Enforcing bed rest (B) can cause decreased lung expansion and retention of secretions. Administering sedatives (D) can depress respiratory drive and worsen respiratory function.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note in the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low arterial PaO2. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), there is impaired gas exchange leading to hypoxemia. Low arterial PaO2 indicates poor oxygenation in the blood, a hallmark of ARDS. Decreased respiratory rate (A) is unlikely as the body compensates by increasing respiratory effort. Pallor (B) is a general sign of reduced blood flow and not specific to ARDS. An elevated arterial PaO2 (D) would not be expected in ARDS, as it signifies adequate oxygenation.
Question 3 of 5
A client is admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following signs and symptoms aren't characteristic of COPD?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fever. Fever is not a characteristic sign or symptom of COPD. The rationale is that COPD is a chronic respiratory condition that primarily affects the lungs and airways, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea on exertion), barrel chest due to air trapping, and clubbed fingers and toes due to chronic hypoxia. Fever is not a typical presentation of COPD, as it is usually associated with infections or inflammatory conditions rather than COPD itself. In summary, choices B, C, and D are characteristic of COPD, while choice A is not typically associated with this condition.
Question 4 of 5
The maximum amount of air that can be taken into the lungs in a single deep breath is the
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: vital capacity. Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after taking the deepest breath possible. It is calculated by adding tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume together. This measurement reflects the maximum lung capacity and is important in assessing lung function. Tidal volume (B) is the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing cycles. Pleural volume (C) refers to the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Alveolar volume (D) is the amount of air in the alveoli available for gas exchange. These choices are incorrect as they do not represent the maximum air intake capacity of the lungs.
Question 5 of 5
The nose serves all the following functions EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: as the initiator of the cough reflex. The nose does not initiate the cough reflex; rather, it is the respiratory system's response to irritants in the airways. The nose warms, humidifies, and cleanses the air as it passes through, and it also serves as a passageway for air movement. Therefore, the nose does not directly trigger the cough reflex.