ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient immediately postoperative after a left pneumonectomy. How should the nurse position the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice D is correct: 1. Post-pneumonectomy, positioning the patient on the left side allows the remaining lung to expand fully. 2. This position promotes better ventilation and perfusion, aiding in oxygenation. 3. Placing the patient on the left side also helps prevent pressure on the surgical site. 4. The left side-lying position also facilitates drainage and prevents pooling of secretions in the surgical area. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A. High Fowler position may cause increased pressure on the surgical site and impede lung expansion. B. Semi-Fowler position may not optimize lung expansion and could lead to decreased oxygenation. C. Right side-lying position is not ideal as it does not facilitate full expansion of the remaining lung and may cause pooling of secretions.
Question 2 of 5
After receiving a change-of-shift report on four patients admitted to a heart failure unit ,which patient should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because new-onset confusion, restlessness, and cool clammy skin are signs of poor perfusion and potential deterioration. The nurse should assess this patient first to address possible acute changes in condition. Option A, dizziness after captopril, can be important but not immediately life-threatening. Option C receiving IV nesiritide is stable and monitored closely. Option D with oxygen and crackles indicates pulmonary congestion but is not an immediate priority compared to the signs of poor perfusion in option B.
Question 3 of 5
After inspiration commences the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After inspiration commences, the diaphragm contracts and the thoracic cavity expands. This leads to a decrease in intrapleural pressure, allowing the lungs to expand. Simultaneously, intrapulmonary pressure decreases, creating a pressure gradient for air to flow into the lungs. Choice A is correct because both intrapleural pressure and intrapulmonary pressure fall during inspiration. Choice B is incorrect because intrapulmonary pressure actually decreases during inspiration, not rises. Choice C is incorrect because intrapleural pressure falling does not directly correlate with a decrease in venous return. Choice D is incorrect because during inspiration, the volume of the alveoli increases as the lungs expand, causing intrapulmonary pressure to decrease.
Question 4 of 5
Of the four parts of respiration the part when oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the body's tissue cells is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: internal respiration. This is the part of respiration where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the body's tissue cells. During internal respiration, oxygen is delivered to the cells and carbon dioxide is removed. Pulmonary ventilation (choice A) refers to the process of breathing where air is moved in and out of the lungs. External respiration (choice B) is the exchange of gases between the lungs and blood. Transport of respiratory gases (choice C) involves the circulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Internal respiration specifically focuses on the exchange of gases within the tissue cells, making it the correct choice in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
For a female patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which nursing intervention would help maintain a patent airway?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Teaching the patient how to perform controlled coughing. This intervention helps to clear mucus and secretions from the airways, maintaining a patent airway. Controlled coughing also prevents airway obstruction and promotes effective breathing. Restricting fluid intake (A) can lead to dehydration and thickening of secretions, worsening airway clearance. Enforcing bed rest (B) can cause decreased lung expansion and retention of secretions. Administering sedatives (D) can depress respiratory drive and worsen respiratory function.