ATI RN
Respiratory System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Respiratory alkalosis is the increase in blood pH and can be treated using the drug Acetazolamide which blocks Carbonic anhydrase enzyme. The main cause of Respiratory alkalosis is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for choice B (Hyperventilation): Hyperventilation leads to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) through the lungs, causing a decrease in blood CO2 levels. This results in a shift towards alkalosis in the blood pH as CO2 is an acid. Acetazolamide, by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase, slows down the conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate, helping to counteract the alkalosis caused by hyperventilation. Summary of other choices: A (Hypoventilation): Hypoventilation would lead to the retention of CO2, causing respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. C (Low Carbon dioxide level): Low CO2 levels contribute to respiratory alkalosis, so this choice is incorrect. D (High HB content): High hemoglobin content does not directly cause respiratory alkalosis.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing the respiratory status of a patient who is experiencing an exacerbation of her emphysema symptoms. When preparing to auscultate, what breath sounds should the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Faint breath sounds with prolonged expiration. In emphysema, the alveoli lose elasticity, leading to air trapping and difficulty in expiration. This results in faint breath sounds with prolonged expiration due to the decreased airflow. Absence of breath sounds (A) would indicate a serious issue like pneumothorax. Wheezing with discontinuous breath sounds (B) is more characteristic of asthma. Faint breath sounds with fine crackles (D) are typically heard in conditions like pneumonia or pulmonary fibrosis, not in emphysema.
Question 3 of 5
In which direction does carbon dioxide move during external respiration?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During external respiration, carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the lungs. This is because the blood carries carbon dioxide from the body tissues to the lungs to be exhaled. In the lungs, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be eliminated during exhalation. Choice A is incorrect because carbon dioxide does not move from the blood into the tissue cells during external respiration. Choice C is incorrect as carbon dioxide is exhaled into the atmosphere, not the other way around. Choice D is incorrect as carbon dioxide is produced in the tissue cells and needs to be transported back into the blood for removal in the lungs.
Question 4 of 5
Which is not a reason gas exchange is efficient at the blood air barrier?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Gap junctions play a role in cell-to-cell communication but are not directly involved in gas exchange efficiency at the blood air barrier. A: High partial pressure differences drive gas exchange. B: Short distance minimizes diffusion time. C: Large surface area allows for more exchange. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it is not a contributing factor to gas exchange efficiency.
Question 5 of 5
The apneustic centers of the pons
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the apneustic centers of the pons provide stimulation to the inspiratory center in the medulla oblongata to promote inhalation. This is essential for regulating the breathing cycle. Choice A is incorrect as the apneustic centers do not inhibit the pneumotaxic and inspiratory centers. Choice C is incorrect as the apneustic centers do not directly monitor blood gas levels. Choice D is incorrect as the apneustic centers do not alter chemoreceptor sensitivity.