ATI RN
Respiratory System NCLEX Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
For a male client with an endotracheal (ET) tube, which nursing action is most essential?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Auscultating the lungs for bilateral breath sounds. This is the most essential nursing action for a male client with an endotracheal tube because it ensures proper placement of the tube and adequate ventilation. By auscultating the lungs, the nurse can assess for any potential complications such as tube displacement, pneumothorax, or mucus plugging. This action helps in early detection of respiratory issues and prompt intervention if needed. Summary: - Choice B (Turning the client from side to side every 2 hours) is important for preventing pressure ulcers but not as critical as assessing breath sounds. - Choice C (Monitoring serial blood gas values every 4 hours) is important for evaluating respiratory status but does not provide immediate information on tube placement. - Choice D (Providing frequent oral hygiene) is important for preventing infections but does not directly assess the client's respiratory status with an ET tube.
Question 4 of 5
In assessing for major sources of infection in a COPD patient, the nurse focuses on:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stasis of respiratory secretions. In COPD patients, stasis of respiratory secretions can lead to bacterial growth and increase the risk of infections like pneumonia. This is a common issue in COPD due to impaired mucociliary clearance. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to sources of infection in COPD patients. Low body weight is more associated with malnutrition, postural hypotension with cardiovascular issues, and delayed antigen-antibody response with immune system deficiencies.
Question 5 of 5
What is the proper sequence in the flow of air in humans?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct sequence is C: nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi. Air enters through the nasal cavities, passes through the pharynx, then the larynx where the vocal cords are located, then enters the trachea, and finally branches into the bronchi leading to the lungs. This sequence follows the anatomical pathway of the respiratory system, ensuring proper filtration, warming, and humidification of the air. Choices A, B, and D have incorrect sequences that do not follow the anatomical order of the respiratory pathway, leading to an inaccurate flow of air in humans.