ATI RN
Questions Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The chief difference between Trachea and Bronchioles is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bronchiole lacks cartilage. The trachea is a part of the conducting airway that contains C-shaped cartilage rings for structural support, while bronchioles are smaller airways that lack cartilage. Bronchioles are primarily composed of smooth muscle, allowing for dynamic changes in airway diameter. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the trachea does contain cartilage, the length of the trachea does not differentiate it from bronchioles, and the size of the bronchioles alone does not define the chief difference between trachea and bronchioles.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned to the unit after a colon resection. The patient is showing signs of hypoxia. The nurse knows that this is probably caused by what?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shunting. Hypoxia after a colon resection is likely due to shunting, which is a condition where blood bypasses the normal oxygenation process in the lungs, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. Shunting can occur due to factors such as collapsed alveoli or blood vessel blockages. Nitrogen narcosis (A) is not related to hypoxia but rather occurs in scuba divers exposed to high partial pressures of nitrogen. Infection (B) may cause fever and inflammation but is not the primary cause of hypoxia in this scenario. Impaired diffusion (C) refers to issues with gas exchange in the alveoli and is not the most likely cause of hypoxia after a colon resection.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with a lower respiratory tract infection. When planning a focused respiratory assessment, the nurse should know that this type of infection most often causes what?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Lower respiratory tract infection affects the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Step 2: Infections can lead to inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. Step 3: This impairs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Step 4: Impaired gas exchange can lead to hypoxemia and respiratory distress. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is A: Impaired gas exchange. Other choices are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the physiological consequences of a lower respiratory tract infection.
Question 4 of 5
Which respiratory division includes the larynx and respiratory structures distal?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, lower respiratory tract. The larynx and structures distal to it, such as the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, are part of the lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract (choice A) includes the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Internal respiratory tract (choice C) is not a commonly used term in respiratory anatomy. Alveoli of the respiratory tract (choice D) specifically refer to the air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, not the entire respiratory division that includes the larynx and structures distal to it.
Question 5 of 5
The partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the interstitial space of peripheral tissues is approximately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (45 mm Hg) because the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the interstitial space of peripheral tissues is around 40-45 mm Hg. This value is higher than in the arterial blood (around 40 mm Hg) due to the production of CO2 by tissues. Choice A (35 mm Hg) is too low for interstitial CO2 levels. Choice C (55 mm Hg) and D (70 mm Hg) are too high and not consistent with normal physiological values. Overall, the correct answer aligns with the typical range of interstitial CO2 pressure in peripheral tissues.