ATI RN
Respiratory System NCLEX Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
slit or roughly triangular shape in mediastinal surface are known as
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: hilum. Hilum refers to a slit or roughly triangular shape on the mediastinal surface of an organ where blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics enter or exit. This anatomical feature is commonly seen in organs like the lung, kidney, and spleen. The other choices are incorrect because B: fasciae are layers of connective tissue, C: Fissures are deep grooves or clefts between structures, and D: indentation refers to a shallow recess or notch, which do not specifically describe the slit or triangular shape found at the hilum.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who has been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a hypertensive emergency. Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the inability to move the left arm could indicate a neurological deficit or stroke, which is a critical finding that requires immediate medical attention in a hypertensive emergency. This could indicate a potential life-threatening condition that needs urgent intervention to prevent further complications. A: Urine output is important but not as critical as potential neurological deficits in this scenario. B: Tremors in the fingers are concerning but not as urgent as a potential neurological deficit. C: Headache at level 7 is significant but not as critical as a neurological deficit that could indicate a stroke.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who has just had a thoracentesis. Which assessment information obtained by the nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a low O2 saturation level (88%) indicates potential respiratory compromise or hypoxemia post-thoracentesis, which requires immediate intervention to prevent hypoxia. The other choices are not as critical: B (BP slightly elevated but not urgent), C (RR slightly elevated but expected after procedure), and D (Pain at level 5 with deep breath is common post-thoracentesis and can be managed).
Question 4 of 5
Which area represents the work to overcome airway resistance?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: AECFA. This sequence represents the flow of air through the respiratory system. Airway resistance is primarily overcome by the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways. The correct sequence includes the airway segments that actively participate in regulating airway resistance - the trachea (A), bronchi (E), and bronchioles (C and F). The other choices do not include the correct segments that are involved in overcoming airway resistance.
Question 5 of 5
The lungs are covered by a two-layer membrane called the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: pleura. The pleura is a two-layered membrane that covers the lungs. The outer layer is called the parietal pleura, which lines the chest wall, and the inner layer is called the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs themselves. This double-layered structure helps to protect and cushion the lungs during breathing movements. Summary of incorrect choices: B: The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs that plays a role in breathing but does not cover the lungs. C: The respiratory membrane refers to the interface where gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, not the covering of the lungs. D: The intercostal muscles are located between the ribs and assist in breathing but do not cover the lungs.