ATI RN
Questions for the Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
This blood gas picture reveals which of the following? PH = 7.52 pCO2 = 20 mmHg pO2 = 120 mmHg bicarb = 16 mmol/l
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The blood gas values indicate respiratory alkalosis due to a high pH (7.52) and low pCO2 (20 mmHg). The normal pO2 and low bicarb suggest partial renal compensation. The kidneys retain HCO3- to partially offset the respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis (A) is incorrect as bicarb is low. Metabolic acidosis (C) is incorrect due to the high pH. Respiratory acidosis (D) is incorrect as pCO2 is low. In summary, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the blood gas values and the concept of compensation.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a male client with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note in the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Low arterial PaO2. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), there is inadequate oxygen exchange in the lungs, leading to low PaO2 levels. This is due to alveolar damage and decreased lung compliance. Pallor (choice A) is not a specific finding in ARDS. Elevated arterial PaO2 (choice C) is not expected in ARDS as it indicates sufficient oxygenation. Decreased respiratory rate (choice D) is not a typical finding in ARDS, as patients often have an increased respiratory rate to compensate for the poor oxygenation.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse performs an admission assessment on a client with a diagnosis of tuberculosis. The nurse reviews the results of which diagnostic test that will confirm this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sputum culture. This test confirms the diagnosis of tuberculosis by identifying the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the sputum sample. It is the gold standard for diagnosing active tuberculosis. Bronchoscopy (A) is invasive and used to visualize the airways, not for confirming TB diagnosis. Chest x-ray (C) may show characteristic findings of TB, but it does not confirm the diagnosis. Tuberculin skin test (D) only indicates exposure to TB bacteria, not active infection.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse assessing the CBC of a patient with chronic bronchitis identifies a typical feature of this disease, which is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased red blood cells. In chronic bronchitis, the body compensates for chronic hypoxia by increasing red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) to improve oxygen delivery. This is known as polycythemia. Decreased platelets (A) and white blood cells (B) are not typical features of chronic bronchitis. Increased eosinophils (C) are more commonly associated with allergic conditions or parasitic infections, not chronic bronchitis. In summary, the increased red blood cells in chronic bronchitis help enhance oxygen-carrying capacity, distinguishing it from the other options.
Question 5 of 5
In pleurisy,
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because pleurisy is inflammation of the pleural membrane, causing pain during breathing due to friction between the inflamed layers. Choice A is incorrect as alveoli are not directly affected in pleurisy. Choice C is incorrect as pleurisy does not cause cramps in the diaphragm. Choice D is incorrect as the vagus nerve irritation is not a characteristic feature of pleurisy.