ATI RN
Respiratory System NCLEX Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who has just had a thoracentesis. Which assessment information obtained by the nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a low O2 saturation level (88%) indicates potential respiratory compromise or hypoxemia post-thoracentesis, which requires immediate intervention to prevent hypoxia. The other choices are not as critical: B (BP slightly elevated but not urgent), C (RR slightly elevated but expected after procedure), and D (Pain at level 5 with deep breath is common post-thoracentesis and can be managed).
Question 5 of 5
Which area represents the work to overcome airway resistance?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: AECFA. This sequence represents the flow of air through the respiratory system. Airway resistance is primarily overcome by the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways. The correct sequence includes the airway segments that actively participate in regulating airway resistance - the trachea (A), bronchi (E), and bronchioles (C and F). The other choices do not include the correct segments that are involved in overcoming airway resistance.