ATI LPN
Introduction of Respiratory System NCLEX Questions PN Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following is the most factor that can increase the volume of air entering the lung?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pressure gradient (A) drives air into lungs . Inspiration drops intrapulmonary pressure (e.g., -1 mmHg below atmospheric, 760 mmHg), via diaphragm contraction (Q22). A 2 mmHg gradient moves ~500 mL (Vt). Action potentials (B) initiate muscle firing, but gradient magnitude not nerve signal strength dictates volume (Boyle's law: P1V1 = P2V2). C overcomplicates A alone suffices. D reduces flow. A's primacy unlike B's indirect role governs ventilation, per respiratory mechanics.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is not correct regarding exhalation (expiration)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exhalation doesn't start with expiratory muscle relaxation. Passive expiration (A) uses lung recoil (C, true, -5 cm H2O intrapleural). Active expiration (B) engages muscles (e.g., abdominals). D's trigger relaxation fits inspiration's end; expiration begins when inspiratory muscles (diaphragm) relax, raising pressure (+1 mmHg). COPD hinders expiration (E, true, Q65). D's error unlike A's norm misaligns timing, per physiology.
Question 3 of 5
In primary atypical (presumably viral) pneumonia the most common of the following blood findings is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cold agglutination (C) is the most common blood finding in primary atypical pneumonia, often viral (e.g., Mycoplasma pneumoniae). This autoimmune reaction antibodies clump RBCs at low temperatures reflects infection-induced immune activation, detectable in 50-70% of cases. Leucocytosis (A) suits bacterial pneumonia, not viral, where counts are normal or low. Sheep RBC agglutination (B) isn't standard; cold agglutinins are specific. Secondary anemia (D) may occur late, not primarily. Latex fixation tests rheumatoid factor, unrelated here. Cold agglutinins, peaking in week 2-3, aid diagnosis when sputum or x-rays are inconclusive, distinguishing atypical from bacterial pneumonia in clinical hematology.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is not generally a cause of a pleural exudate:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Congestive heart failure (A) causes transudative, not exudative, pleural effusion fluid from hydrostatic pressure (e.g., left heart failure) has low protein (<3 g/dL), not inflammation-driven. Bacterial pneumonia (B), malignancy (C), myocardial infarction (D e.g., Dressler's), and influenza A (E post-viral) produce exudates high protein (>3 g/dL), often bloody or purulent, from capillary leak or infection. CHF's transudate contrasts with exudative etiologies, key in Light's criteria (e.g., pleural/serum protein ratio), guiding thoracentesis interpretation in chest nursing.
Question 5 of 5
Choose the method which can provide information as to the diagnosis of lung cancer:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bronchoscopy (A) diagnoses lung cancer visualizes tumors, biopsies masses (e.g., 90% yield central lesions), and samples cytology. Scalene biopsy (B) assesses spread, not primary. Cytology smear (C) aids but needs source (e.g., sputum). Angiography (D) maps vessels, not cancer. Ultrasound is adjunctive, not diagnostic here. Bronchoscopy's direct access is gold standard, key in nursing for procedure prep and post-care.