ATI RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The surface area of the alveoli is about
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 80 m2. The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. The surface area of the alveoli is crucial for efficient gas exchange. The average adult human has around 300 million alveoli with a total surface area of about 70-100 m2, making option A the most accurate. Option B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not fall within the typical range of alveolar surface area. It is important to remember the importance of the large surface area of the alveoli in facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during respiration.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse on the intermediate care unit received a change-of-shift report on four patients with hypertension. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse should assess the 48-yr-old with a blood pressure of 160/92 mm Hg who reports chest pain first because chest pain can be a sign of a cardiac issue, which could be life-threatening. Assessing this patient first is crucial to rule out any acute cardiac events. Leg cramping (choice B) is a common symptom in hypertensive patients but is not as urgent as chest pain. High creatinine levels (choice C) may indicate kidney issues but do not require immediate assessment compared to chest pain. Microalbuminuria (choice D) is a sign of kidney damage in hypertension but does not pose an immediate threat like chest pain.
Question 3 of 5
Which assessment findings aren't consistent with a client diagnosis of right-sided heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because collapsed neck veins are not consistent with right-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, venous congestion leads to jugular venous distention, not collapse. Distended abdomen (choice B) occurs due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen, a common finding in right-sided heart failure. Dependent edema (choice C) results from fluid retention in the lower extremities, also seen in right-sided heart failure. Decreased appetite (choice D) can be present due to abdominal discomfort from fluid accumulation. Therefore, the presence of collapsed neck veins is the only assessment finding that is not indicative of right-sided heart failure.
Question 4 of 5
O2 dissociation curve shift to R) by all of the following except
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide does not shift the O2 dissociation curve to the right (R) because it binds to hemoglobin with a higher affinity than oxygen, causing a leftward shift (L). Increased [H+], pCO2, and temperature all shift the curve to the right by decreasing hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.
Question 5 of 5
The organs of the respiratory zone of the respiratory system include all the following EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: trachea. The trachea is not part of the respiratory zone, which is where gas exchange occurs. The respiratory zone includes the small bronchioles, alveoli ducts, and alveoli. The trachea is part of the conducting zone, which is responsible for transporting air to and from the respiratory zone. Therefore, the trachea is not directly involved in gas exchange, making it the correct answer. The other choices, B: small bronchioles, C: alveoli ducts, and D: alveoli, are all part of the respiratory zone and play a crucial role in gas exchange.