ATI RN
Questions About the Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse has instructed the client on how to obtain a sputum culture. Which of the statements indicates that the client understood the instruction from the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client demonstrates understanding by acknowledging the need to breathe deeply and cough up the sputum to obtain a sputum culture. This action helps bring up the lower respiratory tract secretions for an accurate culture. Choice A is incorrect because increasing fluids actually helps in sputum production. Choice B is incorrect as mouth care should be done before to prevent contamination. Choice C is incorrect as early morning is the best time due to the accumulation of secretions overnight.
Question 2 of 5
A male adult patient hospitalized for treatment of a pulmonary embolism develops respiratory alkalosis. Which clinical findings commonly accompany respiratory alkalosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lightheadedness or paresthesia. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels and an increase in pH. This can result in symptoms such as lightheadedness (from decreased cerebral blood flow) and paresthesia (tingling sensations due to changes in calcium ionization). Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are more commonly seen in metabolic alkalosis, while hallucinations and tinnitus are not typical symptoms of respiratory alkalosis.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a male client with emphysema who is receiving oxygen. The nurse assesses the oxygen flow rate to ensure that it does not exceed:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 2 L/min. The rationale is that in emphysema, high oxygen flow rates can cause oxygen toxicity. The recommended maximum flow rate for patients with emphysema is typically 2 L/min to prevent oxygen toxicity. Choice A (1 L/min) may not provide sufficient oxygen, choice C (6 L/min) and choice D (10 L/min) are too high and can lead to oxygen toxicity in patients with emphysema. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate and safe option for this client.
Question 4 of 5
A client who is human immunodeficiency virus-positive has had a Mantoux skin test. The nurse notes a 7-mm area of induration at the site of the skin test. The nurse interprets the results as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Positive. In individuals with HIV, a positive Mantoux test is considered when the induration is 5 mm or greater. A 7-mm area of induration indicates a positive result, suggesting an immune response to the tuberculin antigen, potentially due to latent tuberculosis infection. The other choices are incorrect because a 7-mm induration in an HIV-positive client is not considered negative, inconclusive, or indicative of the need for repeat testing based on current guidelines.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse recognizes that a rising PaCO2 level in a COPD patient means that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer C is correct: 1. In COPD, impaired lung function leads to inadequate ventilation and CO2 retention. 2. Rising PaCO2 indicates inadequate CO2 removal, leading to respiratory acidosis. 3. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low pH and high PaCO2 levels. 4. This condition can worsen COPD symptoms and lead to respiratory failure. Summary: Option A is incorrect as rising PaCO2 indicates hypoxemia. Option B is incorrect as ventilation-perfusion imbalance worsens in COPD. Option D is incorrect as anticholinergics do not directly affect PaCO2 levels in COPD.