ATI RN
Respiratory System Test Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
If the CO2 concentration in the blood increases, the breathing shall
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When CO2 concentration in the blood increases, it leads to respiratory acidosis, causing the body to increase breathing rate to expel excess CO2 and restore pH balance. This increase in breathing helps eliminate CO2 through exhalation, thus the correct answer is A. Choice B is incorrect because an increase in CO2 concentration triggers an increase in breathing to remove the excess CO2, not decrease it. Choice C is incorrect because stopping breathing would be life-threatening and is not a physiological response to high CO2 levels. Choice D is incorrect because an increase in CO2 concentration does have an effect on breathing rate to maintain homeostasis.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has suffered a nasal fracture. Which assessment would the nurse perform first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Airway patency. Ensuring airway patency is the top priority in any client assessment, especially in cases of facial trauma like a nasal fracture. This is because compromised airway can lead to respiratory distress or failure. Assessing airway patency should always be the first step to ensure the client's ability to breathe. Facial pain (A) may be important but does not address immediate life-threatening concerns. Vital signs (B) are important but assessing airway patency takes precedence for client safety. Bone displacement (C) is relevant but does not address the immediate need to maintain airway patency.
Question 3 of 5
The emergency department (ED) manager is reviewing client charts to determine how well the staff perform when treating clients with community-acquired pneumonia. What outcome demonstrates that goals for this client type have been met?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Antibiotics started before admission. This outcome demonstrates that the staff are meeting the goal for treating clients with community-acquired pneumonia because timely administration of antibiotics is crucial in managing this condition effectively. Starting antibiotics promptly helps to reduce the spread of infection and improve patient outcomes. Blood cultures obtained within 20 minutes (B) is important for diagnosing the specific pathogen causing pneumonia but does not directly reflect the treatment goal achievement. Chest x-ray within 30 minutes (C) is essential for diagnosis but does not indicate treatment success. Pulse oximetry on all clients (D) is important for monitoring oxygen levels but does not directly show if the treatment goal for pneumonia has been met.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following symptoms should a nurse assess in a client when implementing interventions for trauma to the upper airway?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In assessing a client with trauma to the upper airway, the nurse should prioritize identifying the presence of laryngospasm. Laryngospasm is a serious complication that can occur due to upper airway trauma, leading to a sudden closure of the vocal cords and obstruction of the airway. This can result in severe respiratory distress and requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory failure. Therefore, recognizing and addressing laryngospasm is crucial in the care of a client with upper airway trauma. Regarding the incorrect options: - Pain when talking (Option A) may be a symptom of upper respiratory infections or conditions like pharyngitis, but it is not specific to trauma of the upper airway. - Burning in the throat (Option B) is more indicative of acid reflux or irritation, not a primary symptom of upper airway trauma. - Increased nasal swelling (Option C) suggests nasal congestion or allergies rather than trauma to the upper airway. In an educational context, understanding the specific symptoms and complications of upper airway trauma is essential for nurses caring for patients with respiratory issues. By knowing the key signs to assess and intervene upon, nurses can provide timely and effective care to prevent further respiratory compromise in patients with upper airway trauma.
Question 5 of 5
Which intervention for airway management should you delegate to the nursing assistant?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A: Assist client to sit up on the side of the bed. This intervention is appropriate to be delegated to a nursing assistant because it is a basic task that falls within their scope of practice and does not require specialized training or clinical judgment. Option B, instructing the client to cough effectively, involves providing specific guidance on a therapeutic technique that requires more knowledge and skill, making it more appropriate for a nurse to perform. Option C, teaching the client to use incentive spirometry, involves education on a medical device and its proper use, which is beyond the scope of a nursing assistant's role. Option D, auscultating breath sounds every 4 hours, is a skilled nursing assessment task that requires clinical judgment to interpret findings. This task should be performed by a nurse who can analyze the data collected and make appropriate decisions based on the assessment findings. In an educational context, understanding the delegation of tasks is crucial for healthcare professionals to work effectively as a team. By clearly delineating roles and responsibilities based on skill levels and scopes of practice, patient care can be delivered safely and efficiently. Nursing assistants play a vital role in supporting patient care by carrying out delegated tasks under the supervision of licensed nurses, ensuring that each team member contributes to the overall well-being of the patient.