ATI RN
Questions and Answers on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The organ of the respiratory system that closes when food is being swallowed is the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: larynx. The larynx houses the vocal cords and serves as a passageway for air between the pharynx and trachea. During swallowing, the larynx closes to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway, directing them towards the esophagus instead. The nose (A) is not directly involved in swallowing. The pharynx (B) is a shared pathway for both air and food, but it does not actively close during swallowing. The trachea (D) is responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs and does not play a role in swallowing.
Question 2 of 5
A black client with asthma seeks emergency care for acute respiratory distress. Because of this client's dark skin, the nurse should assess for cyanosis by inspecting the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mucous membranes. Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, is an important sign of respiratory distress. In individuals with dark skin, cyanosis may be more easily detected in the mucous membranes, such as the lips and oral mucosa, compared to the skin. The lips (choice A), nail beds (choice C), and earlobes (choice D) may not always show cyanosis clearly in individuals with darker skin tones. Therefore, assessing the mucous membranes is the best option for identifying cyanosis accurately in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse advises the parents of a child who is in status asthmaticus that if not corrected, the result could be:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because status asthmaticus can lead to pneumothorax due to increased air trapping, severe hypoxemia from impaired gas exchange, and respiratory arrest from respiratory muscle fatigue. Pneumothorax can occur due to increased intrathoracic pressure during an asthma attack. Hypertension, CVA, and cardiac arrest (choice B) are not typical complications of status asthmaticus. Respiratory alkalosis, pneumonia, and death (choice C) are less likely outcomes compared to the severe complications mentioned in choice A. Lung abscess, cor pulmonale, and respiratory failure (choice D) are not directly associated with the pathophysiology of status asthmaticus.
Question 4 of 5
Food and drink are prevented from entering the respiratory passageways during swallowing by means of the
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: epiglottis. During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the opening of the larynx to prevent food and drink from entering the respiratory passageways. It acts as a lid that directs food and liquids to the esophagus instead of the trachea. The glottis (choice A) is the space between the vocal cords, the pharynx (choice B) is the passageway for food and air, and the larynx (choice D) contains the vocal cords. The epiglottis specifically functions to protect the airway during swallowing.
Question 5 of 5
The human vocal cords are located in the
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: larynx. The vocal cords are located in the larynx, specifically in the upper part known as the glottis. The glottis is a space within the larynx where the vocal cords are situated. The pharynx (B) is the passageway for both food and air, the trachea (D) is the windpipe connecting the larynx to the lungs. The vocal cords are responsible for producing sound by vibrating as air passes through them, and this process occurs in the larynx. Therefore, the correct answer is C: larynx.