ATI LPN
Introduction of Respiratory System NCLEX Questions PN Questions
Question 1 of 5
For the hospitalized client, which manifestation would the nurse assess to be a symptom of pulmonary embolism?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Abrupt dyspnea and apprehension (C) are PE symptoms, per document (3). Sudden clot occlusion (e.g., 50% pulmonary artery) drops ventilation (V/Q mismatch), spiking dyspnea (RR >30) and anxiety (fight-or-flight). Slow HR/RR (A) is gradual, not PE. Upper cyanosis (B) is rare central more likely. Wheezing (D) fits asthma. C's acuity onset <5 min flags PE's lethality (10% mortality), unlike A's chronicity.
Question 2 of 5
The exchange of gases between blood and cells is called
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Internal respiration refers to the exchange of gases oxygen from blood to cells, carbon dioxide from cells to blood occurring at the tissue level via diffusion across systemic capillaries. Pulmonary ventilation is breathing, moving air in and out of lungs. External respiration is gas exchange in the lungs between alveoli and blood. Cellular respiration is the intracellular process using oxygen to produce ATP, not a direct gas exchange. Internal respiration's role ensures oxygen reaches cells for metabolism and removes CO2 waste, driven by partial pressure gradients (e.g., PO2 higher in blood than tissues). This process, distinct from lung-based external respiration, is critical for systemic oxygenation and CO2 clearance, a key physiological step in maintaining cellular function and pH balance.
Question 3 of 5
The primary chemical stimulus for breathing is the concentration of
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood is the primary breathing stimulus, detected by central chemoreceptors in the medulla as H+ ions rise (from CO₂ forming carbonic acid, H₂CO₃). Elevated CO₂ (hypercapnia) increases ventilation to expel it, maintaining pH. Oxygen (O₂) influences peripheral chemoreceptors but is secondary low O₂ (hypoxia) only drives breathing if severe. Carbon monoxide binds hemoglobin but isn't a stimulus. Carbonic acid reflects CO₂ indirectly, not directly measured. CO₂'s dominance, via brainstem response, ensures homeostasis, key in respiratory control and disorders like apnea where CO₂ sensing falters.
Question 4 of 5
When developing a discharge plan to manage the care of a client with COPD, the nurse should anticipate that the client will do which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with COPD, marked by chronic airflow limitation, easily develop infections due to impaired mucociliary clearance and weakened immunity from chronic inflammation respiratory infections often trigger exacerbations. Maintaining status (B) is a goal, not a natural outcome; COPD progresses without intervention. Reduced oxygen need (C) contradicts disease progression, as lung damage worsens hypoxia. Permanent improvement (D) is unrealistic COPD is irreversible, though manageable. Anticipating frequent infections shapes discharge planning teaching infection prevention (e.g., vaccines, hygiene) is critical to reduce hospital readmissions, a nursing priority in chronic disease management.
Question 5 of 5
A client with acute asthma showing inspiratory and expiratory wheezes and a decreased expiratory volume should be treated with which of the following classes of medication right away?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bronchodilators (B), like albuterol, are the first-line treatment for acute asthma with wheezes and reduced expiratory volume. They rapidly relax bronchial smooth muscle, reversing bronchoconstriction the root of airflow limitation easing wheezing and dyspnea. Beta-blockers (A) worsen asthma, causing constriction. Inhaled (C) or oral steroids (D) reduce inflammation but act slowly, unsuitable for immediate relief used adjunctively. Wheezing reflects narrowed airways; bronchodilators open them fast, critical in acute settings to prevent hypoxia, a nursing priority over slower anti-inflammatory options.