ATI RN
Respiratory System Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
Total alveolar surface area is reduced in
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: emphysema. Emphysema is a condition characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls, leading to a decrease in alveolar surface area for gas exchange. This reduction in surface area impairs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. In contrast, lung cancer (A) primarily affects lung tissue but may not directly reduce alveolar surface area. Atelectasis (B) refers to the collapse of lung tissue, which can impact ventilation but not necessarily alveolar surface area. Pneumothorax (D) is the presence of air in the pleural space and does not directly affect alveolar surface area.
Question 2 of 5
The inspiratory capacity is a total of what two pulmonary volumes?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The inspiratory capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal exhalation. It is the sum of tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume. Tidal volume is the volume of air inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing, while inspiratory reserve volume is the additional air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Vital capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation. It does not include tidal volume, so this choice is incorrect. C: Vital capacity includes inspiratory reserve volume, not tidal volume, so this choice is incorrect. D: Residual volume is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation, not part of inspiratory capacity. Tidal volume is the only correct component in this choice.
Question 3 of 5
The maximum volume of air contained in the lung by a full forced inhalation is called?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Total lung capacity. This term refers to the maximum volume of air the lungs can hold after a full forced inhalation. It is the sum of vital capacity and residual volume. Vital capacity (A) is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation, not the maximum volume of air contained in the lungs. Tidal volume (B) is the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing, not the maximum volume. Inspiratory capacity (D) is the maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal exhalation, not the maximum volume of air contained in the lungs.
Question 4 of 5
which one of the following statements is false about the trachea?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the trachea is not covered by the epiglottis; it is a flap of cartilage that covers the larynx during swallowing, not the trachea. A is correct as the trachea is supported by C-shaped rings of cartilage. C is correct as the trachea branches into the right and left bronchi. D is incorrect as B is false about the trachea.
Question 5 of 5
The 79-year-old patient with bacterial pneumonia becomes increasingly restless, confused, and agitated. The patient’s temperature is 100° F, and his pulse, blood pressure, and respirations are elevated since the last assessment 6 hours ago. What action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient's oxygen saturation first. In a patient with bacterial pneumonia showing signs of restlessness, confusion, and agitation along with elevated vital signs, the priority is to assess oxygen saturation to rule out hypoxemia. Hypoxemia can lead to cognitive changes and increased agitation in older adults. Administering a sedative (choice C) or an analgesic (choice D) without addressing the underlying hypoxemia can worsen the patient's condition. Auscultating the lungs (choice A) is important but should come after assessing oxygen saturation to prioritize immediate interventions.