ATI LPN
Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Of the four parts of respiration, the part when oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the capillaries lining the alveoli in the lungs, is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: External respiration (B) is the exchange of O₂ and CO₂ between alveolar air and pulmonary capillaries, per the key and physiology texts. Pulmonary ventilation (A) is breathing air movement in/out of lungs (e.g., 500 mL tidal volume). Transport of respiratory gases (C) is O₂/CO₂ movement in blood (e.g., Hb binding). Internal respiration (D) is gas exchange at tissue cells. In the alveoli, O₂ diffuses into blood (PaO₂ ≈100 mmHg) and CO₂ out (PaCO₂ ≈40 mmHg) across a 0.2-0.5 μm membrane, driven by partial pressure gradients (Fick's law). This distinguishes B from A's mechanics, C's circulation, or D's tissue focus external respiration's alveolar-capillary swap is the lung-specific process.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse would question an order for ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) ordered for a client with asthma if the client had which concurrent medical history?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Glaucoma (A) contraindicates ipratropium (Atrovent), per document (1). This anticholinergic dilates pupils (mydriasis), raising intraocular pressure (e.g., >21 mmHg) in narrow-angle glaucoma, risking vision loss. Cushing's (B) is unrelated steroid issue. Warfarin (C) or fluid retention (D) don't interact. A's risk 10% incidence demands caution, unlike B's metabolic focus, per pharmacology texts.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse wears gloves when assessing a child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). After removing the gloves, what should the nurse's next action be?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hand hygiene (D) post-glove removal prevents RSV spread, per document (4). Soap/water or alcohol (20-40 s) kills virus (10ⶠvirions/mL). Laundry (A) risks contamination. Inspection (B) is secondary. Reminding parents (C) isn't next. D's action 99% pathogen reduction upholds CDC contact precautions, unlike A's error.
Question 4 of 5
When we inhale
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During inhalation, diaphragm and intercostal contraction expand the chest, increasing thoracic volume. This decreases alveolar (intrapulmonary) pressure below atmospheric (e.g., -1 mmHg), pulling air in, and intrapleural pressure drops (e.g., -6 mmHg from -4 mmHg), keeping lungs adherent to the chest wall. Both pressures decreasing aligns with ventilation mechanics pressure drops drive airflow and lung expansion. Other options misalign: increased intrapleural pressure would collapse lungs; increased alveolar pressure occurs in exhalation. This dual decrease ensures efficient inspiration, a core principle in breathing dynamics, critical for understanding lung function and disorders like restrictive diseases altering pressure gradients.
Question 5 of 5
The patient asks the nurse why the physician ordered beclomethasone (Beclovent) for his COPD. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beclomethasone (Beclovent), an inhaled corticosteroid, reduces inflammation in COPD airways, easing breathing by decreasing mucosal swelling and mucus production, which obstruct airflow. It doesn't prevent airway dilation (A) that's counterproductive; it enhances beta-agonist responsiveness, dilating airways indirectly. While it suppresses immunity (C), this isn't the primary therapeutic goal reducing inflammation is. It doesn't decrease responsiveness to bronchodilators (D); it may enhance it. The exact mechanism is unclear, but its anti-inflammatory action targets chronic airway irritation, a hallmark of COPD, distinct from bronchodilators' immediate relief. This explanation aligns with patient education, emphasizing improved airflow over side effects, critical for adherence and understanding treatment's role in managing COPD's progressive obstruction.