ATI LPN
Introduction of Respiratory System NCLEX Questions PN Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following chambers of the heart is surrounded by the thickest layer of myocardium?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The left ventricle has the thickest myocardium, up to 1-1.5 cm, pumping against high systemic pressure (~120 mmHg) to the aorta, requiring robust muscle. The right ventricle (~0.3-0.5 cm) handles lower pulmonary pressure (~25 mmHg). Atria, thin-walled (~0.1-0.2 cm), only fill ventricles. This thickness gradient reflects workload left ventricle's force sustains body-wide circulation, key in hypertrophy or failure where it thickens or weakens, a core structural adaptation.
Question 2 of 5
The organ of the respiratory system that is kept open by rings of cartilage is the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The trachea (D) is kept open by C-shaped cartilage rings (16-20), per the key, ensuring airflow (e.g., 6 L/min). The nose (A) has cartilage but not rings for patency. The pharynx (B) lacks cartilage, collapsing without muscle tone. The larynx (C) has cartilage (e.g., thyroid) but not rings. Tracheal rings (1 cm wide) resist collapse under negative pressure (-20 mmHg inspiration), per physiology unlike A's flexible structure, B's muscular tube, or C's vocal framework, D's rigidity maintains the airway.
Question 3 of 5
For the hospitalized client, which manifestation would the nurse assess to be a symptom of pulmonary embolism?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Abrupt dyspnea and apprehension (C) are PE symptoms, per document (3). Sudden clot occlusion (e.g., 50% pulmonary artery) drops ventilation (V/Q mismatch), spiking dyspnea (RR >30) and anxiety (fight-or-flight). Slow HR/RR (A) is gradual, not PE. Upper cyanosis (B) is rare central more likely. Wheezing (D) fits asthma. C's acuity onset <5 min flags PE's lethality (10% mortality), unlike A's chronicity.
Question 4 of 5
The parents of a child with asthma are learning about performing postural drainage exercises. The nurse should teach them to perform which action before performing the exercises?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bronchodilator (A) before postural drainage opens airways, per document (1). Albuterol (e.g., 2 puffs) relaxes bronchi (FEVâ‚ up 15%), easing mucus drainage (50 mL). Clothes (B) or suction (D) don't prep lungs. Antibiotics (C) treat infection, not drainage. A's action 5-10 min onset optimizes CPT, unlike B's irrelevance, per ATS.
Question 5 of 5
The exchange of gases between blood and cells is called
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Internal respiration refers to the exchange of gases oxygen from blood to cells, carbon dioxide from cells to blood occurring at the tissue level via diffusion across systemic capillaries. Pulmonary ventilation is breathing, moving air in and out of lungs. External respiration is gas exchange in the lungs between alveoli and blood. Cellular respiration is the intracellular process using oxygen to produce ATP, not a direct gas exchange. Internal respiration's role ensures oxygen reaches cells for metabolism and removes CO2 waste, driven by partial pressure gradients (e.g., PO2 higher in blood than tissues). This process, distinct from lung-based external respiration, is critical for systemic oxygenation and CO2 clearance, a key physiological step in maintaining cellular function and pH balance.