ATI RN
Questions and Answers on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which action should the nurse take first when a client develops epistaxis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action is to apply squeezing pressure to the nostrils for 10 minutes. This helps control the bleeding by promoting clot formation. It is the initial intervention to stop the bleeding before considering other options. Packing the nostril with a balloon (Choice A) may worsen the bleeding. Obtaining silver nitrate (Choice C) for cauterization is not the first-line approach. Instilling vasoconstrictor medication (Choice D) should be considered after applying pressure if bleeding persists.
Question 2 of 5
The organ of the respiratory system that closes when food is being swallowed is the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: larynx. The larynx houses the vocal cords and serves as a passageway for air between the pharynx and trachea. During swallowing, the larynx closes to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway, directing them towards the esophagus instead. The nose (A) is not directly involved in swallowing. The pharynx (B) is a shared pathway for both air and food, but it does not actively close during swallowing. The trachea (D) is responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs and does not play a role in swallowing.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assisting a physician with the removal of a chest tube. The nurse should instruct the client to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Perform the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver involves holding the breath and bearing down, which helps prevent air from entering the pleural space during chest tube removal, reducing the risk of a pneumothorax. Exhaling slowly (A) or inhaling and exhaling quickly (C) can increase the risk of air entering the pleural space. Staying very still (B) is important to minimize movement during the procedure, but performing the Valsalva maneuver is crucial to prevent complications.
Question 4 of 5
A black client with asthma seeks emergency care for acute respiratory distress. Because of this client's dark skin, the nurse should assess for cyanosis by inspecting the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mucous membranes. Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, is an important sign of respiratory distress. In individuals with dark skin, cyanosis may be more easily detected in the mucous membranes, such as the lips and oral mucosa, compared to the skin. The lips (choice A), nail beds (choice C), and earlobes (choice D) may not always show cyanosis clearly in individuals with darker skin tones. Therefore, assessing the mucous membranes is the best option for identifying cyanosis accurately in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse advises the parents of a child who is in status asthmaticus that if not corrected, the result could be:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because status asthmaticus can lead to pneumothorax due to increased air trapping, severe hypoxemia from impaired gas exchange, and respiratory arrest from respiratory muscle fatigue. Pneumothorax can occur due to increased intrathoracic pressure during an asthma attack. Hypertension, CVA, and cardiac arrest (choice B) are not typical complications of status asthmaticus. Respiratory alkalosis, pneumonia, and death (choice C) are less likely outcomes compared to the severe complications mentioned in choice A. Lung abscess, cor pulmonale, and respiratory failure (choice D) are not directly associated with the pathophysiology of status asthmaticus.