ATI RN
Respiratory System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with suspected bacterial pneumonia. Which finding supports the potential diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Interstitial inflammation. This finding supports the potential diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia because interstitial inflammation is a characteristic feature of bacterial pneumonia, indicating infection and inflammation in the lung tissue. Elevated WBC count (choice A) is a general sign of infection and can be present in various conditions, not specific to bacterial pneumonia. Consolidation of lung tissue (choice B) is more indicative of a severe infection such as pneumonia but is not specific to bacterial pneumonia. Copious exudate (choice D) may suggest a productive cough but does not specifically point to bacterial pneumonia. Overall, interstitial inflammation is the most specific and relevant finding to support the potential diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse teaches the client that sublingual nitroglycerin should be taken
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - "At the first indication of chest pain." This is because sublingual nitroglycerin is a rapid-acting medication used to relieve chest pain related to angina by dilating blood vessels. Taking it at the first sign of chest pain ensures prompt relief. Choice A is incorrect as frequent dosing can lead to tolerance. Choice C is unnecessary and not evidence-based. Choice D delays treatment and can be dangerous in an emergency.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse plans care for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) understanding that the client is most likely to experience what type of acid-base imbalance?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Respiratory acidosis. In COPD, the client has impaired gas exchange leading to retention of carbon dioxide, causing respiratory acidosis. This imbalance occurs due to decreased ability to exhale carbon dioxide effectively. Respiratory alkalosis (B) is unlikely as COPD results in CO2 retention. Metabolic acidosis (C) would involve non-respiratory causes. Metabolic alkalosis (D) is not typically associated with COPD. Thus, A is the most likely acid-base imbalance in COPD.
Question 4 of 5
Regarding airway resistance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Choice C: Decreased pCO2 in alveolar gas causes an increase in airway resistance: 1. pCO2 levels in alveolar gas directly affect bronchial smooth muscle tone. 2. Low pCO2 causes bronchodilation, leading to reduced airway resistance. 3. High pCO2 causes bronchoconstriction, increasing airway resistance. 4. This relationship is crucial in maintaining optimal ventilation-perfusion matching. Summary for Other Choices: A. Incorrect - Poiseuille's equation is for laminar flow, not turbulent flow, and describes the relationship between pressure, flow rate, and radius. B. Incorrect - The major site of resistance is in medium-sized bronchi, not very small bronchioles. D. Incorrect - As lung volume reduces, airway resistance actually increases due to decreased radial traction.
Question 5 of 5
On auscultation, which finding suggests a right pneumothorax?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a right pneumothorax, there is a loss of breath sounds on auscultation due to air in the pleural space preventing lung expansion and sound transmission. This absence of breath sounds is a classic finding in pneumothorax. A: Bilateral inspiratory and expiratory crackles are indicative of conditions like pneumonia or pulmonary fibrosis, not pneumothorax. C: Inspiratory wheezes suggest conditions like asthma or bronchitis, not pneumothorax. D: Bilateral pleural friction rub is typically heard in conditions like pleurisy or pleural effusion, not pneumothorax.