ATI LPN
NCLEX PN Questions Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Regarding pulmonary hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Normal pulmonary blood pressure is 1/8 of systemic pressure (A), ≈15 mmHg vs. 120 mmHg. Choice B is false; pulmonary hypertension is usually secondary (e.g., lung disease). Choice C is incorrect; emphysema increases resistance via capillary loss, not vasoconstriction. Choice D is wrong; it's defined as mean pressure ≥25 mmHg, not tied to systemic. Choice E (sudden death from PE) is distinct. Page 743 confirms A's ratio low-pressure pulmonary circuit contrasts with B's primary claim or C's mechanism.
Question 2 of 5
Regarding pleural effusions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Normally, 15 mL of serous acellular fluid lubricates pleura (A), maintaining low friction. Choice B is false; most effusions are secondary (e.g., CHF), not primary. Choice C is incorrect; hemorrhagic pleuritis is tumor-related. Choice D is wrong; hemothorax is from trauma/aortic rupture. Choice E (empyema from lung infection) is true. Page 766 (Table 15-14) confirms A's physiology small volume prevents adhesion, distinguishing it over B's primary claim or C's etiology error.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following viruses is not commonly associated with the common cold?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The common cold is typically caused by rhinoviruses (most frequent), coronaviruses (e.g., pre-COVID strains), and adenoviruses, all targeting upper respiratory epithelium, leading to sniffles and cough. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles, not colds it's a herpesvirus affecting skin and nerves, not primarily respiratory mucosa. While cold viruses spread via droplets and self-resolve, VZV involves systemic rash and latency, requiring antivirals like acyclovir in severe cases. This distinction matters: cold management is supportive, but VZV has vaccination (e.g., Zostavax) and different transmission dynamics, emphasizing accurate viral identification in respiratory versus systemic infections.
Question 4 of 5
Which system effect of pneumonia should the nurse monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cyanosis (A) is a critical system effect of pneumonia the nurse must monitor, indicating hypoxemia from impaired gas exchange (SpOâ‚‚ <90%). Excess mucus production (B) is a local airway response, not a systemic effect. Shortness of breath (C) is a symptom, not a direct systemic sign, though related to hypoxia. Hemoptysis (D) is less common unless necrotizing (e.g., Klebsiella). Pneumonia's alveolar inflammation and exudate reduce oxygenation, risking cyanosis blue lips/nails signal urgent intervention (e.g., Oâ‚‚ therapy). The document's answer (A) reflects this priority systemic hypoxia trumps B's local effect or D's rarity in standard cases.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse informs a client with pneumonia that a respiratory therapist is scheduled to perform chest physiotherapy. The client asks, 'What does that mean?' Which response by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chest physiotherapy will help move the liquid out of your lungs' (A) best explains its role percussion/vibration loosen mucus in pneumonia, aiding clearance per ATS guidelines. Breathing improvement (B) is secondary, not precise. Preventing cough (C) is false it promotes productive coughing. Removing organisms (D) is antibiotic-driven. The document's answer (A) reflects pathophysiology consolidated exudate (e.g., 100-200 mL) shifts with CPT, distinguishing it from B's vagueness or D's inaccuracy.