ATI RN
Respiratory System NCLEX Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
When caring for a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Atypical pneumonia. Patients with AIDS are most susceptible to atypical pneumonia caused by organisms like Pneumocystis jiroveci. This is due to their weakened immune system. Hypostatic pneumonia is typically seen in bedridden patients, not specific to AIDS. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia but not particularly associated with AIDS. Therefore, the correct choice is D, as it aligns with the specific risk profile of AIDS patients for atypical pneumonia.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who has just had a thoracentesis. Which assessment information obtained by the nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a low O2 saturation level (88%) indicates potential respiratory compromise or hypoxemia post-thoracentesis, which requires immediate intervention to prevent hypoxia. The other choices are not as critical: B (BP slightly elevated but not urgent), C (RR slightly elevated but expected after procedure), and D (Pain at level 5 with deep breath is common post-thoracentesis and can be managed).
Question 3 of 5
Which area represents the work to overcome airway resistance?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: AECFA. This sequence represents the flow of air through the respiratory system. Airway resistance is primarily overcome by the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways. The correct sequence includes the airway segments that actively participate in regulating airway resistance - the trachea (A), bronchi (E), and bronchioles (C and F). The other choices do not include the correct segments that are involved in overcoming airway resistance.
Question 4 of 5
The lungs are covered by a two-layer membrane called the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: pleura. The pleura is a two-layered membrane that covers the lungs. The outer layer is called the parietal pleura, which lines the chest wall, and the inner layer is called the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs themselves. This double-layered structure helps to protect and cushion the lungs during breathing movements. Summary of incorrect choices: B: The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs that plays a role in breathing but does not cover the lungs. C: The respiratory membrane refers to the interface where gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, not the covering of the lungs. D: The intercostal muscles are located between the ribs and assist in breathing but do not cover the lungs.
Question 5 of 5
While changing the tapes on a tracheostomy tube, the male client coughs and the tube is dislodged. The initial nursing action is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct initial nursing action is to choose option B: Grasp the retention sutures to spread the opening. This is because spreading the opening using the retention sutures can help maintain the airway patency until the tube is reinserted. Calling the physician (option A) or respiratory therapy department (option C) may cause delays in addressing the immediate airway obstruction. Covering the tracheostomy site with a sterile dressing (option D) does not address the primary concern of maintaining the airway. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate and effective action to take in this situation.