ATI RN
Questions for the Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The partial pressure of carbon dioxide is greatest in
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: venous blood. In the body, carbon dioxide is carried in the blood, primarily in the form of bicarbonate ions. Venous blood, returning from tissues to the heart, has higher levels of carbon dioxide compared to arterial blood. This results in a higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide in venous blood. Alveolar air (B) has a lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide due to gas exchange in the lungs, while expired air (C) has even lower levels as carbon dioxide is exhaled. Inspired air (D) has the lowest partial pressure of carbon dioxide as it has not yet entered the body.
Question 2 of 5
What type of muscle wraps around a respiratory bronchiole and can change the diameter of the airway?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: smooth muscle. Smooth muscle is the type of muscle that wraps around a respiratory bronchiole and can contract or relax to change the diameter of the airway. This allows for regulation of airflow in the respiratory system. Skeletal muscle (choice A) is attached to bones and is under voluntary control, not found in the bronchioles. Cardiac muscle (choice C) is specific to the heart and does not control airway diameter. Voluntary muscle (choice D) refers to skeletal muscle, which is not present in the bronchioles and does not regulate airway diameter involuntarily.
Question 3 of 5
What is the main goal of treatment in heart failure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The main goal of treatment in heart failure is to manage symptoms, improve heart function, and enhance quality of life. This involves optimizing medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes devices or surgeries. Increasing blood pressure (A) is not the goal as high blood pressure can worsen heart failure. Curing the underlying cause (B) may not always be possible, so the focus is on managing symptoms. Inducing weight loss (D) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the primary goal of treatment for heart failure.
Question 4 of 5
During inspiration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts, causing it to move downward and increase the thoracic space. This creates a negative pressure in the lungs, allowing air to rush in. Choice A is incorrect as the diaphragm contracts rather than relaxes during inspiration. Choice B is incorrect since other muscles like the external intercostals also aid in expanding the thoracic cavity. Choice D is incorrect because it combines a correct statement with an incorrect one. Therefore, the correct answer is C as it accurately describes the process of inspiration involving both diaphragm contraction and an increase in thoracic space.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing the patient with influenza. The patient reports having general malaise and aching muscles over the past 2 weeks. The nurse suspects that the patient may have developed which complication of influenza?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bacterial pneumonia. Influenza can weaken the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia. Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia, such as persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, align with the patient's reported general malaise and muscle aches. Bronchitis (A) is a common complication of influenza but is usually characterized by cough with or without phlegm. Urinary infection (C) and encephalitis (D) are less likely in this scenario as the patient's symptoms are more indicative of a respiratory complication.