ATI RN
Respiratory System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Life-long nonsmokers live an average of how much longer than those who, in their mid-twenties, smoked two packs of cigarettes a day?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: over 12 years. Life-long nonsmokers live significantly longer than those who smoke heavily in their mid-twenties. Smoking two packs of cigarettes a day significantly increases the risk of various health conditions leading to premature death. On average, smoking can reduce life expectancy by over 10 years. Therefore, the correct answer is over 12 years. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they underestimate the impact of smoking on life expectancy and do not adequately reflect the significant difference in longevity between smokers and life-long nonsmokers.
Question 2 of 5
Rate and depth of respiration shall increase when
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: CO2 concentration increases. When CO2 levels rise in the blood, it leads to an increase in the acidity of the blood, triggering the respiratory centers in the brain to increase the rate and depth of respiration in order to expel excess CO2 and restore the pH balance. Explanation for other choices: A: Oxygen concentration increases - An increase in oxygen concentration does not directly stimulate an increase in respiration rate or depth. The respiratory drive is primarily regulated by CO2 levels. C: Bicarbonate concentration increases - While bicarbonate is involved in the acid-base balance in the body, it does not directly influence the rate and depth of respiration. D: Bicarbonate concentration decreases - A decrease in bicarbonate concentration may affect acid-base balance, but it does not have a direct effect on respiratory rate and depth.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who is recovering from a lung biopsy. The client's breath sounds are absent. While another nurse calls the Rapid Response Team
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, taking a full set of vital signs, as it is crucial in assessing the client's overall condition and detecting any signs of deterioration. Vital signs include blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, which provide valuable information about the client's cardiovascular and respiratory status. In this scenario, absent breath sounds indicate potential respiratory compromise, making it essential to monitor vital signs for any signs of respiratory distress or instability. Choice A is incorrect because calling the Rapid Response Team is important, but assessing the client's vital signs should take priority to provide immediate information on the client's condition. Choice C, obtaining pulse oximetry reading, is also important but may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the client's overall condition compared to a full set of vital signs. Choice D, asking about hemoptysis, is not the most urgent action to take in this situation as assessing vital signs would provide more immediate and critical information for the client's management.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is teaching a client about possible complications and hazards of home oxygen therapy. About which complications doesn't the nurse plan to teach the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D - Alveolar recruitment. This is because alveolar recruitment is actually a benefit of home oxygen therapy, not a complication. It helps improve oxygenation by opening up collapsed alveoli. A - Absorptive atelectasis is a potential complication where nitrogen is absorbed from the alveoli leading to collapse. B - Combustion is a hazard due to oxygen's flammability. C - Dried mucous membranes is a common complication of oxygen therapy due to the drying effect of oxygen.
Question 5 of 5
A charge nurse is rounding on several older clients on ventilators in the Intensive Care Unit whom the nurse identifies as being at high risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia. To reduce this risk what activity would the nurse delegate to the assistive personnel (AP)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide oral care every 4 hours. Oral care helps prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia by reducing the risk of oral bacteria being aspirated into the lungs. The AP can assist with oral care under the nurse's supervision. A: Encouraging between-meal snacks does not directly address pneumonia risk. B: Monitoring temperature is important but not specific to ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention. D: Reporting new cough onset is important but does not directly reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.