ATI RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The ________ circulation picks up oxygen for cellular use and drops off carbon dioxide for removal from the body.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: pulmonary. The pulmonary circulation involves the flow of blood between the heart and the lungs. In this circulation, deoxygenated blood from the body is pumped to the lungs to pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The oxygenated blood is then returned to the heart to be pumped to the rest of the body. The other choices (B: interlobular, C: respiratory, D: bronchial) are incorrect because they do not specifically refer to the circulation responsible for oxygenating blood and removing carbon dioxide in the lungs. Instead, they relate to other structures or functions within the respiratory system.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
Which assessment findings aren't consistent with a client diagnosis of right-sided heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because collapsed neck veins are not consistent with right-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, venous congestion leads to jugular venous distention, not collapse. Distended abdomen (choice B) occurs due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen, a common finding in right-sided heart failure. Dependent edema (choice C) results from fluid retention in the lower extremities, also seen in right-sided heart failure. Decreased appetite (choice D) can be present due to abdominal discomfort from fluid accumulation. Therefore, the presence of collapsed neck veins is the only assessment finding that is not indicative of right-sided heart failure.