ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions for Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The exchange of gases between blood and cells is called
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: internal respiration. This process refers to the exchange of gases between blood and body cells. Pulmonary ventilation (A) is the process of breathing, moving air in and out of the lungs. External respiration (C) is the exchange of gases between the lungs and blood. Cellular respiration (D) is the process where cells use oxygen to produce energy. Internal respiration best describes the exchange of gases at the cellular level.
Question 2 of 5
The greatest quantity of air that can be expired after a maximum inspiratory effort is its
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vital capacity. Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation. It is the sum of tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume. Residual volume (A) is the air left in the lungs after maximum exhalation. Tidal volume (B) is the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing. Lung volume (D) is a general term and not a specific measure of air quantity. Thus, vital capacity is the best choice as it accounts for the maximum air that can be expired after a deep inhalation.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse plans care for a client who is experiencing dyspnea and must stop multiple times when climbing a flight of stairs. Which intervention would the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assistance with activities of daily living. This intervention helps conserve the client's energy by reducing the physical exertion required for activities like climbing stairs. It promotes independence while ensuring safety and preventing further exacerbation of dyspnea. Physical therapy activities every day (B) may be too strenuous for a client experiencing dyspnea. Oxygen therapy at 2 L per nasal cannula (C) may be necessary for severe cases but does not address the client's functional limitations. Complete bedrest with frequent repositioning (D) may lead to deconditioning and worsen the client's dyspnea.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse assesses clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client is at greatest risk for development of obstructive sleep apnea?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, a 55-year-old woman who is 50 lb overweight. Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to excess fat in the neck area that can obstruct the airway during sleep. This increases the likelihood of experiencing breathing pauses. Pregnancy (choice A) may cause temporary OSA due to hormonal changes, but it's not the greatest risk factor among the options provided. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (choice B) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (choice D) are associated with sleep disturbances, but they are not as directly linked to OSA as obesity.
Question 5 of 5
A client seen in the emergency department reports fever,fatigue and dry cough but no other upper respiratory symptoms. A chest x-ray reveals mediastinal widening. What action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inform the client that oral antibiotics will be needed for 60 days. This is the best action because the client is showing symptoms consistent with tuberculosis, such as fever, fatigue, dry cough, and mediastinal widening on chest x-ray. Treatment for tuberculosis typically involves a combination of oral antibiotics for a prolonged period, usually 6-9 months. Collecting a sputum sample for culture by deep suctioning (A) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis but is not the priority at this moment. Placing the client on Airborne Precautions immediately (C) is important once the diagnosis is confirmed, not the initial action. Directly observed therapy (D) is a method to ensure adherence to medication but is not the immediate next step.