ATI LPN
Exam Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Pharmacological treatment would the nurse administer at prevention of pulmonary embolism?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Enoxaparin (C) prevents pulmonary embolism (PE), per document (3). This anticoagulant (LMWH) inhibits factor Xa, reducing clot risk (e.g., 40 mg/day). Streptokinase (A) dissolves clots, not prevents. Vitamin K (B) reverses anticoagulation opposite effect. Protamine (D) counters heparin overdose. PE prophylaxis (e.g., post-surgery) relies on C's antithrombotic action 80% risk reduction unlike A's thrombolysis or B's clotting aid.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse documents which expected findings after auscultating the lungs of a child with bacterial pneumonia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackles (B) are expected in bacterial pneumonia, per document (2). Consolidation (e.g., S. pneumoniae) fills alveoli with exudate (100 mL), causing fine crackles (80% cases) on inspiration fluid popping open. Wheezes (A) fit asthma. Apnea (C) is fatigue, not auscultation. Retractions (D) are visual. B's sound per ATS flags infection, unlike A's obstruction.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following describes a correct order of structures in the respiratory passageways?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct respiratory passageway order is pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles. Air enters via nose/mouth to the pharynx (throat), passes the larynx (voice box), enters the trachea (windpipe), splits into bronchi (lung branches), then bronchioles (smaller airways) before alveoli. Other sequences misorder: trachea before larynx (C) or bronchioles before bronchi (B) defy anatomy; pharynx-to-trachea skips larynx (A). This flow pharynx to larynx to trachea to bronchi to bronchioles conditions air and directs it for gas exchange, a foundational pathway in respiratory anatomy, critical for airway management and pathology localization.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is planning to teach a client with COPD how to cough effectively. Which of the following instructions should be included?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Effective coughing in COPD conserves energy, clears secretions, and prevents airway collapse. Option A three deep abdominal breaths, bending forward, coughing with 'who' (huff cough) enhances expiration by increasing airway pressure, keeping passages open, and mobilizing mucus. Sitting upright with feet grounded optimizes lung expansion; pursed-lip breathing aids control. Lying flat (B) restricts expansion, splinting limits force. Rapid, shallow breaths and forceful coughing (C) tire the client and collapse airways, trapping secretions. Side-lying with arm overhead (D) doesn't maximize chest mechanics. The huff technique, repeated 3-4 times, leverages diaphragm strength, critical for COPD patients with weakened respiratory muscles, improving secretion clearance and reducing infection risk.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse instructs a client to use the pursed lip method of breathing. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this type of breathing. The nurse responds, knowing that the primary purpose of pursed lip breathing is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing's primary purpose is to promote carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) elimination (D) in obstructive lung diseases like COPD. By pursing lips, exhalation slows, increasing airway pressure to keep alveoli open longer, expelling trapped COâ‚‚ countering hypercapnia from air trapping. It doesn't directly boost oxygen intake (A) that's secondary to better ventilation. It aids diaphragm effort but doesn't strengthen it (B) or intercostals (C) those are exercise goals. This technique, prolonging expiration, relieves dyspnea, a critical self-management tool in COPD nursing education, enhancing gas exchange and reducing respiratory distress.