ATI RN
Respiratory System NCLEX Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Information from chemoreceptors travels to the brain via the ________ nerves.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves. Chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies detect changes in blood chemistry and send signals to the brainstem. The glossopharyngeal nerve carries signals from the carotid bodies, while the vagus nerve carries signals from the aortic bodies. These signals are crucial for regulating breathing and maintaining homeostasis. The other choices, trigeminal (A) and hypoglossal (B) nerves, are not involved in transmitting signals from chemoreceptors to the brain. Choice D, glossopharyngeal nerve alone, is not correct as both glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves are involved in this process.
Question 2 of 5
Internal intercostal muscles are used in ...
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: expiration. The internal intercostal muscles are used during expiration to decrease the size of the thoracic cavity, increasing the pressure in the lungs, causing air to be pushed out. During inspiration, the external intercostal muscles are used to expand the thoracic cavity. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to inspiration. Choice C is incorrect because internal intercostal muscles are not involved in both inspiration and expiration simultaneously. Choice D is incorrect as there is no specific muscle action associated with a "pause" in breathing.
Question 3 of 5
slit or roughly triangular shape in mediastinal surface are known as
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: hilum. Hilum refers to a slit or roughly triangular shape on the mediastinal surface of an organ where blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics enter or exit. This anatomical feature is commonly seen in organs like the lung, kidney, and spleen. The other choices are incorrect because B: fasciae are layers of connective tissue, C: Fissures are deep grooves or clefts between structures, and D: indentation refers to a shallow recess or notch, which do not specifically describe the slit or triangular shape found at the hilum.
Question 4 of 5
When caring for a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Atypical pneumonia. Patients with AIDS are most susceptible to atypical pneumonia caused by organisms like Pneumocystis jiroveci. This is due to their weakened immune system. Hypostatic pneumonia is typically seen in bedridden patients, not specific to AIDS. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia but not particularly associated with AIDS. Therefore, the correct choice is D, as it aligns with the specific risk profile of AIDS patients for atypical pneumonia.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who has been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a hypertensive emergency. Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the inability to move the left arm could indicate a neurological deficit or stroke, which is a critical finding that requires immediate medical attention in a hypertensive emergency. This could indicate a potential life-threatening condition that needs urgent intervention to prevent further complications. A: Urine output is important but not as critical as potential neurological deficits in this scenario. B: Tremors in the fingers are concerning but not as urgent as a potential neurological deficit. C: Headache at level 7 is significant but not as critical as a neurological deficit that could indicate a stroke.