ATI LPN
Respiratory System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Identify the structure found in a fetus that allows blood to flow directly from the pulmonary trunk into the aorta.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ductus arteriosus, a fetal vessel, shunts blood from the pulmonary trunk to the aorta, bypassing nonfunctional lungs oxygen comes from the placenta. The fossa ovalis is a postnatal remnant of the foramen ovale, which shunts atrial blood. Trabeculae carneae are ventricular ridges, not shunts. This temporary conduit closes after birth (ligamentum arteriosum), redirecting blood to the lungs, a key fetal adaptation ensuring systemic oxygenation, critical in congenital defects like patent ductus arteriosus where closure fails.
Question 2 of 5
The difference between a person's maximum cardiac output and resting cardiac output is called the
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cardiac reserve is the difference between maximum cardiac output (e.g., during exercise, ~20 L/min) and resting CO (~5 L/min), reflecting the heart's capacity to increase pumping. Stroke volume is per beat. Peripheral resistance is vascular opposition, not output. Afterload is arterial pressure resisted. Reserve, boosted by rate and contractility, gauges heart health, key in fitness and failure where it diminishes, a vital performance indicator.
Question 3 of 5
The muscular layer of the heart wall is the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The myocardium is the heart wall's muscular layer, cardiac muscle with intercalated discs for synchronized contraction, pumping blood. Epicardium (outer) and endocardium (inner) are connective; pericardium is the external sac. This layer's thickness and strength, especially left-sided, drive heart action, key in physiology and failure where muscle weakens, a definitive cardiac component.
Question 4 of 5
The organs of the respiratory zone of the respiratory system include all the following EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The trachea (A) is not in the respiratory zone, per the key it's a conducting zone organ. Small bronchioles (B), alveolar ducts (C), and alveoli (D) form the respiratory zone, enabling gas exchange (e.g., 5-6 L/min air). The trachea conducts air (C-shaped cartilage), not exchanging gases. Respiratory zone structures (terminal bronchioles onward) have thin walls (0.5 μm) for O₂/CO₂ diffusion, per anatomy. The trachea's role airway patency (15-20 cm long) contrasts with B's transition, C's channeling, and D's 300 million exchange sites, excluding A from the gas-exchange zone.
Question 5 of 5
When assisting with psychological issues for the client with lung cancer, which epidemiological factor should the nurse keep in mind?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lung cancer's 5-year survival <15% (A) is key, per document (1). SEER data show 18% overall, worse for late-stage (e.g., 5% stage IV). Symptoms late (B false 70% advanced at diagnosis), growth varies (C inaccurate bronchial or peripheral), and smoking duration (D) is risk, not psychology focus. A's grim prognosis 90% mortality shapes counseling (e.g., hopelessness), distinguishing it from D's etiology.