ATI RN
Questions About the Respiratory System With Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
Nurse Reynolds caring for a client with a chest tube turns the client to the side, and the chest tube accidentally disconnects. The initial nursing action is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct initial nursing action is to place the tube in a bottle of sterile water (Choice B) because it prevents air from entering the pleural space, reducing the risk of a tension pneumothorax. Placing the tube in sterile water maintains the water seal, allowing for proper lung expansion. Calling the physician (Choice A) can cause a delay in addressing the issue. Immediately replacing the chest tube system (Choice C) without maintaining the water seal can lead to complications. Placing a sterile dressing (Choice D) may not prevent air leakage effectively.
Question 2 of 5
The characteristic of COPD that puts the patient at risk for the nursing diagnosis of "Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements" is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Excessive respiratory effort. In COPD, the increased work of breathing due to impaired lung function leads to higher energy expenditure, resulting in decreased appetite and weight loss. This increased respiratory effort can lead to fatigue, making it difficult for the patient to eat adequately, resulting in imbalanced nutrition. Choices A, B, and C do not directly contribute to imbalanced nutrition in COPD patients. A, Increased metabolism, is not a typical feature of COPD. B, Anxiety, may affect appetite but is not the primary reason for imbalanced nutrition in COPD. C, Chronic constipation, may cause discomfort but does not directly impact nutritional intake in the same way as excessive respiratory effort.
Question 3 of 5
The recommended diet for the patient who is dyspneic is a soft diet with:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Frequent, small meals. This is recommended for a dyspneic patient to prevent feeling overly full and to reduce the effort required for digestion, thus minimizing the risk of exacerbating breathing difficulties. Three large meals (A) would likely cause discomfort and increase difficulty in breathing. A low-protein emphasis (B) is not specifically indicated for dyspneic patients unless there are underlying conditions that require protein restriction. A low-calorie emphasis (C) may lead to inadequate nutrient intake, which is crucial for supporting the body's overall health and healing process.
Question 4 of 5
In humans ventilation is powered by
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because ventilation in humans is powered by the diaphragm and muscles attached to the ribs working together. The diaphragm contracts during inhalation, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity, while the external intercostal muscles lift the rib cage, expanding the chest cavity. This creates a pressure difference, causing air to move into the lungs. The other choices are incorrect because the lungs themselves do not have the ability to power ventilation independently, and muscles attached to the ribs are essential for chest expansion during breathing.
Question 5 of 5
When we inhale
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct: 1. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, expanding the thoracic cavity. 2. Expansion of the thoracic cavity leads to a decrease in alveolar pressure and intrapleural pressure. 3. Decreased alveolar pressure causes air to flow into the lungs due to the pressure difference. 4. Decreased intrapleural pressure helps keep the lungs inflated by maintaining the pleural cavity pressure lower than alveolar pressure. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A. Incorrect because alveolar pressure decreases during inhalation, but intrapleural pressure also decreases. B. Incorrect because both alveolar pressure and intrapleural pressure decrease during inhalation. D. Incorrect because alveolar pressure decreases and intrapleural pressure also decreases during inhalation, not increases.