ATI RN
Exam Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient with angina is admitted to the hospital. The patient states "I might as well have died because now I won't be able to do anything." Your best response is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates active listening and empathy, allowing the patient to express their feelings. By asking for clarification, it shows interest in the patient's concerns and opens up a dialogue for further exploration. This approach can help the patient feel heard and supported, leading to better understanding and communication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the patient's statement or feelings. B dismisses the patient's concerns, C invalidates their emotions, and D offers a general statement without acknowledging the patient's specific worries. These responses may lead to the patient feeling unheard or misunderstood, hindering effective communication and rapport building.
Question 2 of 5
Alveolar ventilation in a male with a respiratory rate of 10/min and tidal volume of 600 ml is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 4500ml. Alveolar ventilation is calculated by multiplying tidal volume by respiratory rate. In this case, 600ml (tidal volume) x 10/min (respiratory rate) = 6000ml/min. However, we need to consider dead space ventilation, which is about 150ml. Therefore, the final alveolar ventilation is 6000ml/min - 150ml = 5850ml/min. Since the question asks for alveolar ventilation per minute, the correct answer is the closest option, which is D: 4500ml. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the calculation of alveolar ventilation based on the provided respiratory rate, tidal volume, and dead space ventilation.
Question 3 of 5
A male patient is admitted to the healthcare facility for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which nursing diagnosis is most important for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impaired gas exchange related to airflow obstruction. This is the most important nursing diagnosis for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because impaired gas exchange directly impacts the patient's ability to breathe and obtain oxygen. Addressing this issue is crucial in managing the patient's condition and preventing further complications. A: Activity intolerance related to fatigue may be a concern for the patient, but it is secondary to the primary issue of impaired gas exchange. B: Anxiety related to actual threat to health status is important to address, but it is not the most critical nursing diagnosis for this patient. C: Risk for infection related to retained secretions is a valid concern, but it is not as immediate and directly life-threatening as impaired gas exchange in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is suctioning fluids from a female client through an endotracheal tube. During the suctioning procedure, the nurse notes on the monitor that the heart rate is decreasing. Which if the following is the appropriate nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Stop the procedure and reoxygenate the client. When the nurse notes a decreasing heart rate during suctioning, it could indicate that the client is experiencing hypoxia. Stopping the procedure and providing additional oxygenation is crucial to prevent further complications such as bradycardia or cardiac arrest. Continuing to suction (choice A) can worsen the hypoxia. Notifying the physician immediately (choice B) may cause a delay in addressing the immediate issue. Limiting suction to 15 seconds (choice D) does not address the primary concern of hypoxia and decreasing heart rate.
Question 5 of 5
A 17-year-old male is admitted following an automobile accident. He is very anxious, dyspneic, and in severe pain. The left chest wall moves in during inspiration and balloons out when he exhales. The nurse understands these symptoms are most suggestive of?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flail chest. Flail chest is characterized by paradoxical movement of a segment of the chest wall due to multiple rib fractures. In this case, the left chest wall moving in during inspiration and out during expiration indicates this paradoxical movement. This leads to ineffective breathing, causing dyspnea and anxiety. Hemothorax (A) is accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, not associated with chest wall movement. Atelectasis (C) is collapse of lung tissue, not associated with chest wall movement. Pleural effusion (D) is accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, also not associated with paradoxical chest wall movement.