ATI RN
Respiratory System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The windpipe is also called
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trachea. The trachea is the windpipe, a tube that carries air to and from the lungs. It is located in front of the esophagus. The trachea is made up of cartilage rings, allowing it to stay open and prevent it from collapsing. The other choices are incorrect because the lungs are the organs where gas exchange occurs, the larynx is the voice box, and the bronchi are the two branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with suspected bacterial pneumonia. Which finding supports the potential diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Interstitial inflammation. This finding supports the potential diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia because interstitial inflammation is a characteristic feature of bacterial pneumonia, indicating infection and inflammation in the lung tissue. Elevated WBC count (choice A) is a general sign of infection and can be present in various conditions, not specific to bacterial pneumonia. Consolidation of lung tissue (choice B) is more indicative of a severe infection such as pneumonia but is not specific to bacterial pneumonia. Copious exudate (choice D) may suggest a productive cough but does not specifically point to bacterial pneumonia. Overall, interstitial inflammation is the most specific and relevant finding to support the potential diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia.
Question 3 of 5
What is the importance of carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbonic anhydrase is crucial for converting carbon dioxide to bicarbonate in red blood cells, facilitating oxygen transport. This enzyme plays a key role in maintaining the blood's acid-base balance and allowing efficient exchange of gases in the lungs. The other choices are incorrect because hemoglobin synthesis is not directly related to carbonic anhydrase, blood pressure regulation involves different mechanisms, and blood glucose levels are primarily controlled by insulin and glucagon, not carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse teaches the client that sublingual nitroglycerin should be taken
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - "At the first indication of chest pain." This is because sublingual nitroglycerin is a rapid-acting medication used to relieve chest pain related to angina by dilating blood vessels. Taking it at the first sign of chest pain ensures prompt relief. Choice A is incorrect as frequent dosing can lead to tolerance. Choice C is unnecessary and not evidence-based. Choice D delays treatment and can be dangerous in an emergency.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse plans care for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) understanding that the client is most likely to experience what type of acid-base imbalance?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Respiratory acidosis. In COPD, the client has impaired gas exchange leading to retention of carbon dioxide, causing respiratory acidosis. This imbalance occurs due to decreased ability to exhale carbon dioxide effectively. Respiratory alkalosis (B) is unlikely as COPD results in CO2 retention. Metabolic acidosis (C) would involve non-respiratory causes. Metabolic alkalosis (D) is not typically associated with COPD. Thus, A is the most likely acid-base imbalance in COPD.