ATI LPN
Introduction of Respiratory System NCLEX Questions PN Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following is not an atrioventricular valve?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The aortic valve, a semilunar valve, isn't atrioventricular (AV) it guards the aorta from the left ventricle, not atrium-to-ventricle. Mitral (bicuspid) and tricuspid are AV valves, linking atria to ventricles. This distinction semilunar versus cuspid defines flow roles, key in valve disease like aortic stenosis, a clear anatomical category.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The primary chemical stimulus for breathing is the concentration of
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the blood is the primary breathing stimulus, detected by central chemoreceptors in the medulla as H+ ions rise (from CO₂ forming carbonic acid, H₂CO₃). Elevated CO₂ (hypercapnia) increases ventilation to expel it, maintaining pH. Oxygen (O₂) influences peripheral chemoreceptors but is secondary low O₂ (hypoxia) only drives breathing if severe. Carbon monoxide binds hemoglobin but isn't a stimulus. Carbonic acid reflects CO₂ indirectly, not directly measured. CO₂'s dominance, via brainstem response, ensures homeostasis, key in respiratory control and disorders like apnea where CO₂ sensing falters.