For a male client with an endotracheal (ET) tube, which nursing action is most essential?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Auscultating the lungs for bilateral breath sounds. This is the most essential nursing action for a male client with an endotracheal tube because it ensures proper placement of the tube and adequate ventilation. By auscultating the lungs, the nurse can assess for any potential complications such as tube displacement, pneumothorax, or mucus plugging. This action helps in early detection of respiratory issues and prompt intervention if needed. Summary: - Choice B (Turning the client from side to side every 2 hours) is important for preventing pressure ulcers but not as critical as assessing breath sounds. - Choice C (Monitoring serial blood gas values every 4 hours) is important for evaluating respiratory status but does not provide immediate information on tube placement. - Choice D (Providing frequent oral hygiene) is important for preventing infections but does not directly assess the client's respiratory status with an ET tube.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct sequence is C: nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi. Air enters through the nasal cavities, passes through the pharynx, then the larynx where the vocal cords are located, then enters the trachea, and finally branches into the bronchi leading to the lungs. This sequence follows the anatomical pathway of the respiratory system, ensuring proper filtration, warming, and humidification of the air. Choices A, B, and D have incorrect sequences that do not follow the anatomical order of the respiratory pathway, leading to an inaccurate flow of air in humans.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Oxygen is primarily carried by hemoglobin in red blood cells, not blood plasma. Hemoglobin binds to oxygen, forming oxyhemoglobin for transport. Option A is false because oxygen is more soluble in fluid than carbon dioxide. Option B is incorrect as oxygen diffuses slower than carbon dioxide due to its larger molecular size. Option C is true as the diaphragm is the main muscle involved in breathing, contracting to expand the lungs during inhalation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because in the lungs, during gas exchange, carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed from the blood and exhaled. This leads to a lower PCO2 in the alveoli compared to the capillaries. The concentration gradient drives the diffusion of CO2 from the capillaries to the alveoli. Options A and B are incorrect because the partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) and oxygen (PO2) differ between the alveoli and capillaries due to gas exchange. Option C is also incorrect as PCO2 is lower in the alveoli to facilitate the removal of CO2 from the blood.

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.