ATI LPN
Respiratory System Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Surface tension of the alveolar fluid is reduced by the presence of
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Surfactant, a lipoprotein mix from type II alveolar cells, reduces alveolar fluid's surface tension, preventing collapse (atelectasis) by lowering cohesive forces of water molecules lining alveoli. Mucus traps particles in airways, not affecting alveolar tension. Sebum, an oily skin secretion, is irrelevant here. Water increases tension surfactant counters this. By decreasing tension, surfactant stabilizes alveoli, especially smaller ones, easing inflation and preventing lung collapse post-exhalation. This is vital for efficient gas exchange, a cornerstone of lung mechanics, critical in conditions like respiratory distress syndrome where surfactant deficiency causes breathing difficulty, underscoring its role in pulmonary stability.
Question 2 of 5
When teaching the parents of an older infant with CF (cystic fibrosis) about the type of diet the child should consume, which of the following would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A high-calorie diet (D) is most appropriate for an older infant with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF's thick mucus obstructs pancreatic ducts, impairing enzyme release, causing malabsorption of fats and proteins requiring extra calories (often 120-150% of normal) to support growth. Moderate fat, not high (B), aids absorption with enzyme supplements; low protein (A) risks malnutrition; low carbohydrate (C) limits energy. Thick mucus also increases respiratory work, boosting caloric needs. This diet, paired with enzymes, counters CF's nutritional deficits, key in nursing education to prevent failure to thrive, a common CF challenge.
Question 3 of 5
A client has been taking flunisolide (Aerobid), two inhalations a day, for treatment of asthma. He tells the nurse that he has painful, white patches in his mouth. Which response by the nurse would be the most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: White, painful oral patches in a client using flunisolide (Aerobid), an inhaled corticosteroid, suggest a fungal infection (oral candidiasis) common from steroid deposition suppressing local immunity. Response C correctly identifies this and proposes antifungal treatment (e.g., nystatin), addressing the cause. It's not a normal side effect to ignore (A) it won't resolve spontaneously. Overuse (B) isn't indicated; two puffs daily is standard. Oral hygiene (D) helps prevention, not treatment of established infection rinsing post-inhalation is key. This response guides therapy, critical in nursing to manage steroid side effects and ensure asthma control continues unimpeded.
Question 4 of 5
A 12-year-old girl has a 7-year history of coughing and wheezing and repeated attacks of difficulty breathing. The attacks are particularly common in spring. During an episode of acute respiratory difficulty, a physical examination shows that she is afebrile. Her lungs are hyperresonant on percussion, and a chest radiograph shows increased lucency of all lung fields. Laboratory tests show an elevated serum IgE level and peripheral blood eosinophilia. A sputum sample examined microscopically also has increased numbers of eosinophils. Which of the following histologic features is most likely to characterize the lung in her condition?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Airway remodeling with smooth muscle hyperplasia (D) defines atopic asthma in this girl (Page 28, Ans: E). Spring attacks, high IgE, and eosinophils signal type I hypersensitivity TH2-driven inflammation . Repeated episodes thicken bronchial walls (50% muscle increase), causing wheezing. Bronchiole dilation (A) is emphysema. Bronchial destruction (B) is bronchiectasis. Edema (C) fits ARDS. D's chronic change unlike A's irreversible loss explains reversible obstruction, per document.
Question 5 of 5
Obstructive airway defect is characterized on pulmonary function testing by which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.