ATI RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Severing the sensory fibers from the lungs would result in all of the following except
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: a drop in tidal volume. Severing sensory fibers from the lungs would lead to decreased feedback to the brain, resulting in less inhibition of the inspiratory center and potentially overinflation of the lungs (choice C). The Hering-Breuer reflexes, responsible for preventing lung over-inflation, would disappear (choice D). However, tidal volume is primarily controlled by the respiratory muscles and respiratory center in the brain, not solely by sensory input from the lungs. Hence, severing sensory fibers would not directly lead to a drop in tidal volume.
Question 2 of 5
which of the following is a chronic respiratory disorder caused by smoking?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer because it is a chronic respiratory disorder specifically caused by smoking. Smoking damages the air sacs in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Asthma is a separate condition involving airway inflammation. Respiratory alkalosis and acidosis refer to imbalances in blood pH levels, not directly caused by smoking.
Question 3 of 5
The surface area of the alveoli is about
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 80 m2. The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. The surface area of the alveoli is crucial for efficient gas exchange. The average adult human has around 300 million alveoli with a total surface area of about 70-100 m2, making option A the most accurate. Option B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not fall within the typical range of alveolar surface area. It is important to remember the importance of the large surface area of the alveoli in facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during respiration.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a first-day postoperative thoracotomy patient. The nurse assesses that the level of drainage has not increased over the last 3 hours. After assessing the patient’s respiratory status, what should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check the tubing for kinks. This is the best next step because stagnant drainage could be caused by a kink in the tubing, obstructing proper drainage. By checking for kinks, the nurse ensures proper functioning of the drainage system, preventing potential complications such as fluid buildup or infection. Raising the system above the patient's heart (A) may not address the underlying issue of kinked tubing. Repositioning the patient (C) may not be necessary if the drainage is not related to patient positioning. Notifying the physician (D) should be done after checking the tubing for kinks, as it is important to troubleshoot and address the issue promptly.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse on the intermediate care unit received a change-of-shift report on four patients with hypertension. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse should assess the 48-yr-old with a blood pressure of 160/92 mm Hg who reports chest pain first because chest pain can be a sign of a cardiac issue, which could be life-threatening. Assessing this patient first is crucial to rule out any acute cardiac events. Leg cramping (choice B) is a common symptom in hypertensive patients but is not as urgent as chest pain. High creatinine levels (choice C) may indicate kidney issues but do not require immediate assessment compared to chest pain. Microalbuminuria (choice D) is a sign of kidney damage in hypertension but does not pose an immediate threat like chest pain.