ATI LPN
Questions for Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse caring for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) should consider that in this client, impaired gas exchange is mostly likely related to which factor?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ARDS impairs gas exchange via shunting past non-ventilated alveoli (C), per document (3). Exudate (e.g., 200 mL) from injury (e.g., sepsis) floods alveoli, dropping ventilation (V/Q = 0), causing hypoxemia (PaOâ‚‚ <50 mmHg). Air trapping (A) is COPD. Fluid accumulation (B) contributes, but shunting's the mechanism. Excess AAT (D) is irrelevant. C's bypass 50% blood unoxygenated explains Oâ‚‚ failure, unlike A's obstruction.
Question 2 of 5
In the lungs
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the lungs, P_CO2 in alveoli (~40 mmHg) is lower than in pulmonary capillaries (~45 mmHg), driving COâ‚‚ diffusion from blood to alveoli for exhalation. Deoxygenated blood arrives with higher COâ‚‚; alveoli, refreshed by ventilation, maintain lower COâ‚‚. P_O2 is higher in alveoli (~100 mmHg) than capillaries (~40 mmHg), enabling Oâ‚‚ uptake. Equal pressures (A, B) would halt exchange; higher alveolar P_CO2 (C) contradicts ventilation's role. This gradient, part of external respiration, ensures COâ‚‚ clearance and oxygenation, a fundamental gas exchange principle, critical in understanding lung efficiency and hypercapnia where COâ‚‚ retention rises.
Question 3 of 5
A client with asthma has started to take a beta-adrenergic agent. The client also takes a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). For what complication should the nurse assess the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertension is a critical complication to assess when a client takes a beta-adrenergic agent (e.g., albuterol) with an MAOI. MAOIs block monoamine breakdown (e.g., norepinephrine), and beta-agonists stimulate its release, risking a hypertensive crisis blood pressure spikes from excess catecholamines. Hypotension (A) isn't typical; the interaction amplifies stimulation. Tachycardia (C) may occur from beta-agonists alone but isn't the primary concern here hypertension precedes it in severity. Bradycardia (D) contradicts beta-agonist effects (increased heart rate). This drug interaction, rare but serious, requires monitoring, especially in asthma patients with psychiatric comorbidities on MAOIs, highlighting the nurse's role in anticipating and managing pharmacodynamic risks.
Question 4 of 5
A 6-year-old child is hospitalized following an acute asthmatic episode. Which statement by the parents indicates that further teaching is needed?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Saying the child must quit swimming (B) indicates a teaching need. Exercise-induced asthma, likely here (C), is manageable with pre-exercise cromolyn (A) or albuterol, and an inhaler on hand (D) correct parental insights. Swimming, a low-impact sport, benefits asthmatics by strengthening lungs in humid air, not triggering attacks like running might. Quitting suggests misunderstanding asthma control; activity should be encouraged with proper prophylaxis. Further teaching should clarify that asthma, even exercise-induced, allows sports participation with management, critical for the child's physical and social development, a key nursing role in chronic illness support.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse teaches a client about the use of a respiratory inhaler. Which action by the client indicated a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Inhaling the mist and quickly exhaling (C) indicates a need for further teaching. Proper inhaler use requires holding the breath 5-10 seconds after inhalation to deposit medication in airways quick exhalation wastes it, reducing efficacy. Shaking the inhaler (A) mixes contents, pressing while inhaling (B) delivers the dose, and waiting 1-2 minutes between puffs (D) ensures full absorption all correct. This error, common in COPD or asthma clients, undermines treatment, a key nursing focus to retrain for optimal bronchodilator or steroid delivery, enhancing symptom control.