ATI LPN
Exam Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The organ of the respiratory system where air is warmed, moistened and cleaned is the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nose (A) warms, moistens, and cleans air, per the key. Its turbinates increase surface area (150 cm²), warming air to 37°C, humidifying to 90%, and trapping particles via mucus/hairs (e.g., 10 μm filtered). The pharynx (B) conducts air/food, larynx (C) phonates, and trachea (D) conducts none match the nose's conditioning role. Physiology texts note nasal mucosa's vascularity and cilia clear 10000 L/day of air, distinguishing A from B's passageway, C's vocal function, or D's cartilage-supported conduit only the nose preps air for alveoli.
Question 2 of 5
What would be a priority nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High-Fowler's (C) is priority for bronchiolitis, per document (implied 3). Upright (60°) eases RSV dyspnea (RR >40), improving O₂ (SpO₂ >92%). Stimulation (A) worsens distress. I&O (B) monitors, not intervenes. Fluids (D) risk aspiration if tachypneic. C's positioning Vt up 20% directly aids breathing, unlike B's tracking, per AAP guidelines.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse documents which expected findings after auscultating the lungs of a child with bacterial pneumonia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackles (B) are expected in bacterial pneumonia, per document (2). Consolidation (e.g., S. pneumoniae) fills alveoli with exudate (100 mL), causing fine crackles (80% cases) on inspiration fluid popping open. Wheezes (A) fit asthma. Apnea (C) is fatigue, not auscultation. Retractions (D) are visual. B's sound per ATS flags infection, unlike A's obstruction.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following describes a correct order of structures in the respiratory passageways?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct respiratory passageway order is pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles. Air enters via nose/mouth to the pharynx (throat), passes the larynx (voice box), enters the trachea (windpipe), splits into bronchi (lung branches), then bronchioles (smaller airways) before alveoli. Other sequences misorder: trachea before larynx (C) or bronchioles before bronchi (B) defy anatomy; pharynx-to-trachea skips larynx (A). This flow pharynx to larynx to trachea to bronchi to bronchioles conditions air and directs it for gas exchange, a foundational pathway in respiratory anatomy, critical for airway management and pathology localization.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is planning to teach a client with COPD how to cough effectively. Which of the following instructions should be included?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Effective coughing in COPD conserves energy, clears secretions, and prevents airway collapse. Option A three deep abdominal breaths, bending forward, coughing with 'who' (huff cough) enhances expiration by increasing airway pressure, keeping passages open, and mobilizing mucus. Sitting upright with feet grounded optimizes lung expansion; pursed-lip breathing aids control. Lying flat (B) restricts expansion, splinting limits force. Rapid, shallow breaths and forceful coughing (C) tire the client and collapse airways, trapping secretions. Side-lying with arm overhead (D) doesn't maximize chest mechanics. The huff technique, repeated 3-4 times, leverages diaphragm strength, critical for COPD patients with weakened respiratory muscles, improving secretion clearance and reducing infection risk.