ATI RN
Respiratory System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibition on the excretion of bicarbonate in the urine?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate and hydrogen ions in the kidney. Inhibiting carbonic anhydrase reduces bicarbonate reabsorption, leading to increased excretion of bicarbonate in the urine. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Incorrect choices: B: Inhibiting carbonic anhydrase would decrease bicarbonate reabsorption, resulting in increased excretion, not decreased. C: Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase does have an effect on bicarbonate excretion. D: Inhibiting carbonic anhydrase would not increase reabsorption but rather decrease it, leading to increased excretion.
Question 2 of 5
Which of these does not affect diffusion rate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Molecular weight of gas. Diffusion rate is inversely proportional to the square root of the molecular weight of the gas. This means that as the molecular weight increases, the diffusion rate decreases. This is because heavier molecules move more slowly and have a harder time diffusing through a medium. Surface area for diffusion, concentration gradient, and solubility of gas all directly affect diffusion rate. Increasing the surface area for diffusion allows for more space for molecules to diffuse, a steeper concentration gradient increases the rate of diffusion, and higher solubility of gas in a medium enhances the diffusion rate.
Question 3 of 5
With respect to regional gas exchange in the upright lung
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because in the upright lung, the ventilation-perfusion ratio is higher at the top due to gravity causing increased perfusion at the bases. This results in a mismatch between ventilation and perfusion, leading to a higher V/Q ratio at the top. Choices A and B are incorrect because ventilation is actually greater at the bases due to the effect of gravity, leading to higher ventilation there. Choice D is incorrect because PO2 is higher at the apex of the lung due to decreased perfusion but not at the bases.
Question 4 of 5
After undergoing a left pneumonectomy, a female patient has a chest tube in place for drainage. When caring for this patient, the nurse must:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why "Encourage coughing and deep breathing" (Choice C) is the correct answer: 1. After pneumonectomy, patient is at risk for lung complications. 2. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing helps prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. 3. It promotes lung expansion and clears secretions. 4. This intervention supports respiratory function and aids in recovery. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: A. Monitoring fluctuations in the water-seal chamber (Choice A) is important for assessing the status of the chest tube drainage, but not the immediate priority for patient care post-pneumonectomy. B. Clamping the chest tube once every shift (Choice B) is not recommended as it can lead to complications like tension pneumothorax. D. Milking the chest tube every 2 hours (Choice D) is unnecessary and can cause trauma to the lung tissue and increase the risk of infection.
Question 5 of 5
A slightly obese female client with a history of allergy-induced asthma, hypertension, and mitral valve prolapse is admitted to an acute care facility for elective surgery. The nurse obtains a complete history and performs a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. When percussing the client's chest wall, the nurse expects to elicit:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Resonant sounds. Percussing the chest of a healthy individual typically elicits resonant sounds due to the presence of air-filled lung tissue. In this case, the client has a history of asthma, which indicates airway inflammation and possible mucus accumulation, making resonant sounds more likely. Hyperresonant sounds (B) are typically heard in conditions like emphysema with increased lung volume. Dull sounds (C) are indicative of fluid or solid tissue present in the lungs, which is not expected in this client. Flat sounds (D) are heard over areas of solid tissue or muscle, not in the chest of a client with respiratory conditions.