ATI RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Under quiet conditions, blood returning to the heart retains about ________ of its oxygen content.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (75 percent) because under quiet conditions, the venous blood returning to the heart still contains a significant amount of oxygen due to the efficient extraction of oxygen by tissues. This oxygen extraction process typically leaves around 25 percent of oxygen in the venous blood, which is then returned to the heart. Choices A (25 percent), B (50 percent), and D (90 percent) are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the amount of oxygen retained in the blood under quiet conditions. Option A (25 percent) is the amount typically extracted by tissues, so it cannot be the correct answer. Option B (50 percent) is too high, as more oxygen is extracted by tissues. Option D (90 percent) is also too high, as it overestimates the amount of oxygen retained in venous blood.
Question 2 of 5
The ________ circulation picks up oxygen for cellular use and drops off carbon dioxide for removal from the body.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: pulmonary. The pulmonary circulation involves the flow of blood between the heart and the lungs. In this circulation, deoxygenated blood from the body is pumped to the lungs to pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The oxygenated blood is then returned to the heart to be pumped to the rest of the body. The other choices (B: interlobular, C: respiratory, D: bronchial) are incorrect because they do not specifically refer to the circulation responsible for oxygenating blood and removing carbon dioxide in the lungs. Instead, they relate to other structures or functions within the respiratory system.
Question 3 of 5
which of the following is a chronic respiratory disorder caused by smoking?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer because it is a chronic respiratory disorder specifically caused by smoking. Smoking damages the air sacs in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Asthma is a separate condition involving airway inflammation. Respiratory alkalosis and acidosis refer to imbalances in blood pH levels, not directly caused by smoking.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a first-day postoperative thoracotomy patient. The nurse assesses that the level of drainage has not increased over the last 3 hours. After assessing the patient’s respiratory status, what should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check the tubing for kinks. This is the best next step because stagnant drainage could be caused by a kink in the tubing, obstructing proper drainage. By checking for kinks, the nurse ensures proper functioning of the drainage system, preventing potential complications such as fluid buildup or infection. Raising the system above the patient's heart (A) may not address the underlying issue of kinked tubing. Repositioning the patient (C) may not be necessary if the drainage is not related to patient positioning. Notifying the physician (D) should be done after checking the tubing for kinks, as it is important to troubleshoot and address the issue promptly.