ATI RN
Questions for the Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Where is carbonic anhydrase commonly found in the body?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lungs. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that catalyzes the interconversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid, which plays a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance in the body. In the lungs, carbonic anhydrase helps regulate the levels of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate in the blood by facilitating the exchange of gases during respiration. This enzyme is not predominantly found in the liver, kidneys, or stomach, as their functions are not directly related to gas exchange or acid-base balance.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube that is attached to low suction. The nurse monitors the client knowing that the client is at risk for which acid-base disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Metabolic alkalosis. Low suction can lead to excessive loss of gastric acid, causing metabolic alkalosis due to an increase in bicarbonate levels. This is because the body compensates for the loss of acid by retaining bicarbonate. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because low suction does not directly affect metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, or respiratory acidosis.
Question 3 of 5
This blood gas picture reveals which of the following? PH = 7.52 pCO2 = 20 mmHg pO2 = 120 mmHg bicarb = 16 mmol/l
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The blood gas values indicate respiratory alkalosis due to a high pH (7.52) and low pCO2 (20 mmHg). The normal pO2 and low bicarb suggest partial renal compensation. The kidneys retain HCO3- to partially offset the respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis (A) is incorrect as bicarb is low. Metabolic acidosis (C) is incorrect due to the high pH. Respiratory acidosis (D) is incorrect as pCO2 is low. In summary, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the blood gas values and the concept of compensation.
Question 4 of 5
A female patient suffers acute respiratory distress syndrome as a consequence of shock. The patient's condition deteriorates rapidly, and endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are initiated. When the high-pressure alarm on the mechanical ventilator, alarm sounds, the nurse starts to check for the cause. Which condition triggers the high-pressure alarm?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kinking of the ventilator tubing. This condition can cause a blockage in the airflow, leading to increased pressure in the ventilator circuit, triggering the high-pressure alarm. Kinking restricts the flow of air, causing a buildup of pressure in the system. This situation can lead to inadequate ventilation and potential harm to the patient. Choice B, a disconnected ventilator tube, would trigger a low-pressure alarm rather than a high-pressure alarm because the disconnection would result in a loss of pressure. Choice C, an endotracheal cuff leak, would not directly cause an increase in pressure within the ventilator circuit. Choice D, a change in oxygen concentration without resetting the alarm, would not trigger the high-pressure alarm but rather an oxygen alarm if the concentration falls outside the set range. In summary, kinking of the ventilator tubing is the correct answer as it directly leads to increased pressure in the ventilator circuit, triggering the high-pressure alarm.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a male client with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note in the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Low arterial PaO2. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), there is inadequate oxygen exchange in the lungs, leading to low PaO2 levels. This is due to alveolar damage and decreased lung compliance. Pallor (choice A) is not a specific finding in ARDS. Elevated arterial PaO2 (choice C) is not expected in ARDS as it indicates sufficient oxygenation. Decreased respiratory rate (choice D) is not a typical finding in ARDS, as patients often have an increased respiratory rate to compensate for the poor oxygenation.