ATI LPN
Introduction of Respiratory System NCLEX Questions PN Questions
Question 1 of 5
The organ of the respiratory system that is kept open by rings of cartilage is the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The trachea (D) is kept open by C-shaped cartilage rings (16-20), per the key, ensuring airflow (e.g., 6 L/min). The nose (A) has cartilage but not rings for patency. The pharynx (B) lacks cartilage, collapsing without muscle tone. The larynx (C) has cartilage (e.g., thyroid) but not rings. Tracheal rings (1 cm wide) resist collapse under negative pressure (-20 mmHg inspiration), per physiology unlike A's flexible structure, B's muscular tube, or C's vocal framework, D's rigidity maintains the airway.
Question 2 of 5
The parents of a child with asthma are learning about performing postural drainage exercises. The nurse should teach them to perform which action before performing the exercises?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bronchodilator (A) before postural drainage opens airways, per document (1). Albuterol (e.g., 2 puffs) relaxes bronchi (FEVâ‚ up 15%), easing mucus drainage (50 mL). Clothes (B) or suction (D) don't prep lungs. Antibiotics (C) treat infection, not drainage. A's action 5-10 min onset optimizes CPT, unlike B's irrelevance, per ATS.
Question 3 of 5
The exchange of gases between blood and cells is called
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Internal respiration refers to the exchange of gases oxygen from blood to cells, carbon dioxide from cells to blood occurring at the tissue level via diffusion across systemic capillaries. Pulmonary ventilation is breathing, moving air in and out of lungs. External respiration is gas exchange in the lungs between alveoli and blood. Cellular respiration is the intracellular process using oxygen to produce ATP, not a direct gas exchange. Internal respiration's role ensures oxygen reaches cells for metabolism and removes CO2 waste, driven by partial pressure gradients (e.g., PO2 higher in blood than tissues). This process, distinct from lung-based external respiration, is critical for systemic oxygenation and CO2 clearance, a key physiological step in maintaining cellular function and pH balance.
Question 4 of 5
The primary chemical stimulus for breathing is the concentration of
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood is the primary breathing stimulus, detected by central chemoreceptors in the medulla as H+ ions rise (from CO₂ forming carbonic acid, H₂CO₃). Elevated CO₂ (hypercapnia) increases ventilation to expel it, maintaining pH. Oxygen (O₂) influences peripheral chemoreceptors but is secondary low O₂ (hypoxia) only drives breathing if severe. Carbon monoxide binds hemoglobin but isn't a stimulus. Carbonic acid reflects CO₂ indirectly, not directly measured. CO₂'s dominance, via brainstem response, ensures homeostasis, key in respiratory control and disorders like apnea where CO₂ sensing falters.
Question 5 of 5
When developing a discharge plan to manage the care of a client with COPD, the nurse should anticipate that the client will do which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with COPD, marked by chronic airflow limitation, easily develop infections due to impaired mucociliary clearance and weakened immunity from chronic inflammation respiratory infections often trigger exacerbations. Maintaining status (B) is a goal, not a natural outcome; COPD progresses without intervention. Reduced oxygen need (C) contradicts disease progression, as lung damage worsens hypoxia. Permanent improvement (D) is unrealistic COPD is irreversible, though manageable. Anticipating frequent infections shapes discharge planning teaching infection prevention (e.g., vaccines, hygiene) is critical to reduce hospital readmissions, a nursing priority in chronic disease management.