ATI RN
Respiratory System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Hering Breuer Reflex serves as a protective mechanism to prevent
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Excess lung inflation. The Hering Breuer Reflex is triggered by stretch receptors in the lungs, which send signals to the brain to inhibit further inhalation and prevent overinflation of the lungs. This mechanism helps regulate breathing and prevents lung damage from excessive stretching. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the reflex specifically focuses on preventing overinflation of the lungs, not tracheal collapsing or excess oxygenation. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the protective function of the Hering Breuer Reflex.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with chronic lung disease is undergoing lung function testing. What test result denotes the volume of air inspired and expired with a normal breath?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tidal volume. Tidal volume is the volume of air inspired and expired with a normal breath. It represents the normal breathing pattern without any additional effort. Total lung capacity (A) is the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold, Forced vital capacity (B) is the maximum amount of air exhaled forcefully after a maximal inspiration, and Residual volume (D) is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a forced exhalation. Therefore, Tidal volume is the only choice that represents the volume of air inspired and expired during a normal breath.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing the respiratory status of a patient who is experiencing an exacerbation of her emphysema symptoms. When preparing to auscultate, what breath sounds should the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Faint breath sounds with prolonged expiration. In emphysema, the alveoli lose elasticity, leading to air trapping and difficulty in expiration. This results in faint breath sounds with prolonged expiration due to the decreased airflow. Absence of breath sounds (A) would indicate a serious issue like pneumothorax. Wheezing with discontinuous breath sounds (B) is more characteristic of asthma. Faint breath sounds with fine crackles (D) are typically heard in conditions like pneumonia or pulmonary fibrosis, not in emphysema.
Question 4 of 5
In which direction does carbon dioxide move during external respiration?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During external respiration, carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the lungs. This is because the blood carries carbon dioxide from the body tissues to the lungs to be exhaled. In the lungs, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be eliminated during exhalation. Choice A is incorrect because carbon dioxide does not move from the blood into the tissue cells during external respiration. Choice C is incorrect as carbon dioxide is exhaled into the atmosphere, not the other way around. Choice D is incorrect as carbon dioxide is produced in the tissue cells and needs to be transported back into the blood for removal in the lungs.
Question 5 of 5
Which is not a reason gas exchange is efficient at the blood air barrier?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Gap junctions play a role in cell-to-cell communication but are not directly involved in gas exchange efficiency at the blood air barrier. A: High partial pressure differences drive gas exchange. B: Short distance minimizes diffusion time. C: Large surface area allows for more exchange. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it is not a contributing factor to gas exchange efficiency.