ATI LPN
NCLEX PN Questions Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 9
What of the following chambers of the heart contain deoxygenated blood?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The right atrium and right ventricle contain deoxygenated blood, received from systemic veins (vena cavae) into the atrium, then pumped via the ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation. The left atrium and ventricle hold oxygenated blood from pulmonary veins, destined for the body. 'Left atrium only' or 'right ventricle only' ignores paired chamber roles. This right-side deoxygenation reflects the heart's dual circulation systemic and pulmonary a fundamental division ensuring oxygen delivery, critical in understanding cardiac flow and congenital defects mixing these streams.
Question 2 of 9
Microcytic anemia is not found in:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Microcytic anemia (small RBCs, MCV <80 fL) isn't found in pernicious anemia (B) B12 deficiency causes macrocytic anemia (MCV >100 fL) from impaired DNA synthesis. Hypothyroidism (A), malabsorption (C), and chronic infection reduce iron, yielding microcytosis. Folic acid deficiency (D) mirrors B12, macrocytic. Pernicious anemia's autoimmune gastric atrophy blocks B12 absorption, key in hematology nursing for Schilling test and B12 therapy.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following would one expect to find in pleural fluid associated with lung cancer:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pleural fluid in lung cancer shows protein >3.5 g/100 mL (D) exudative from tumor inflammation or necrosis (Light's criteria: pleural/serum protein >0.5). Specific gravity <1.015 (A) or >1.015 (B) varies, not diagnostic alone. Protein <3.5 g (C) fits transudates (e.g., CHF). RBCs <100/mm³ underestimates cancer often yields bloody fluid (>10,000). High protein reflects malignancy's leakiness, key in thoracentesis analysis for oncology nursing.
Question 4 of 9
The nose serves all the following functions EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nose warms, humidifies, and cleanses air turbinates and mucous membranes heat and moisten inhaled air, while hairs and mucus trap dust and microbes. It's a primary air passageway to the pharynx. However, it doesn't initiate the cough reflex that's triggered by irritants in the larynx, trachea, or lower airways, detected by sensory nerves (e.g., vagus), not nasal structures. Coughing expels debris from deeper airways, not the nose, which relies on sneezing or mucociliary clearance. This distinction highlights the nose's role in air conditioning and filtration, not reflex-driven expulsion, a key anatomical separation in respiratory defense mechanisms and clinical understanding of upper versus lower airway responses.
Question 5 of 9
A client asks the nurse if the body possesses any natural defenses against influenza. What information about natural defenses should the nurse provide to the client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse explains that viscous mucus secretions trap influenza viruses in the respiratory tract, while local immunologic defenses antibodies and inflammation neutralize them at entry, forming the body's first line against flu. This response, causing symptoms like swelling, limits viral spread before systemic immunity kicks in. Lowering body temperature isn't a defense fever helps fight viruses. Antihistamines aren't naturally released, and catecholamines don't target flu. Coughing clears mucus, but antidiuretic hormone inhibition relates to hydration, not defense. This accurate info highlights mucus and local immunity's protective roles, educating the client on innate barriers, enhancing understanding of flu resistance and symptom origins.
Question 6 of 9
Which show sustained activity with lung inflation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: pulmonary stretch receptors (airway smooth muscle) show sustained firing during lung inflation (Hering-Breuer reflex), inhibiting inspiration. Choice A (central) senses chemical changes, not volume. Choice B (carotid) and C (aortic) monitor blood gases. Slow-adapting stretch receptors signal via vagus, prolonging activity with sustained volume, unlike rapidly adapting receptors, making D the match.
Question 7 of 9
Which of these muscles causes closure of Rima glottidis in case of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury paralyzes all intrinsic muscles except cricothyroid, but posterior cricoarytenoid (C) abducts cords its loss leaves cords adducted, closing rima. C is correct.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse informs a client with pneumonia that a respiratory therapist is scheduled to perform chest physiotherapy. The client asks, 'What does that mean?' Which response by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chest physiotherapy will help move the liquid out of your lungs' (A) best explains its role percussion/vibration loosen mucus in pneumonia, aiding clearance per ATS guidelines. Breathing improvement (B) is secondary, not precise. Preventing cough (C) is false it promotes productive coughing. Removing organisms (D) is antibiotic-driven. The document's answer (A) reflects pathophysiology consolidated exudate (e.g., 100-200 mL) shifts with CPT, distinguishing it from B's vagueness or D's inaccuracy.
Question 9 of 9
In extrinsic asthma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Inhaled allergens elicit a T_H2-dominated response favoring IgE production (C) in extrinsic asthma. Choice A is true; IgE cross-linking releases mediators (e.g., histamine) opening tight junctions. Choice B is false; it's Type I hypersensitivity (IgE-mediated), not Type II (antibody-cell). Choice D is incorrect; major basic protein (eosinophil-derived) damages epithelium, not inhibits. Choice E (antigen penetration) follows A. Page 725 (Fig 15-11) confirms C's T_H2 role IL-4/IL-13 drive IgE, distinguishing it over B's type error or D's protective claim.