ATI LPN
NCLEX PN Questions 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 larynx (C) closes during swallowing, per the key the epiglottis seals the glottis, preventing aspiration. The nose (A) stays open (no closure mechanism). The pharynx (B) conducts food/air but doesn't close. The trachea (D) remains patent (cartilage rings). Swallowing's pharyngeal phase (0.5 s) tilts the epiglottis via hyoid movement, per anatomy laryngeal closure protects lungs (e.g., 1-2 L food/day diverted). This distinguishes C from A's irrelevance, B's conduit role, or D's openness the larynx's gatekeeping is unique.
Question 2 of 5
When taking the nursing history of a child with cystic fibrosis, what piece of information about the child's newborn period would the nurse expect the mother to report?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meconium ileus (C) is expected in cystic fibrosis (CF) newborns, per document (3). CFTR mutation thickens mucus, blocking intestines (10-20% incidence), causing obstruction. Resuscitation (A) or labor duration (B, D) are unrelated CF's respiratory issues emerge later. C's early sign 90% positive sweat test link flags CF, distinguishing it from A's acute event, per CF Foundation.
Question 3 of 5
An infant with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is receiving ribavirin. While caring for this infant, what actions should the nurse avoid? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Avoid wearing contact lenses (C) and caring for high-risk kids with ribavirin for RSV, per document (3, 5). Ribavirin aerosol irritates eyes lenses trap it (10% risk). Cross-care spreads RSV (30% risk). Precautions (A) and suction (B) are safe. C's avoidance per CDC protects nurse, unlike A's necessity, in RSV's contagious setting.
Question 4 of 5
The volume of air that can be exhaled after normal exhalation is the
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Expiratory reserve volume (ERV) is the air (~1-1.5 L) exhaled beyond normal exhalation (tidal volume, ~500 mL) with forced effort, part of vital capacity. Tidal volume is regular breathing. Residual volume (~1.2 L) stays in lungs post-maximal exhalation. Inspiratory reserve (~3 L) is extra inhaled beyond tidal. ERV reflects additional lung emptying capacity, key in pulmonary function tests, distinguishing it from residual or inspiratory volumes, critical in assessing obstructive diseases like COPD where ERV decreases due to air trapping, a vital lung volume metric.
Question 5 of 5
A school-age child with CF asks the nurse what sports she can be involved in as she becomes older. Which of the following activities would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Swimming is most appropriate for a child with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF causes thick mucus to obstruct airways, impairing breathing. Swimming enhances cardiovascular endurance and strengthens respiratory muscles without high-impact stress, unlike track (B) or javelin throwing (D), which demand intense bursts taxing limited lung capacity. Baseball (C) involves less sustained effort but includes dust exposure risks. Swimming's humid environment may loosen mucus, aiding clearance, while its low joint strain suits CF's physical challenges. Exercise tolerance varies, but swimming aligns with CF management promoting lung function and activity key in nursing guidance to balance health and quality of life for chronic respiratory conditions.