ATI RN
Questions and Answers on Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following processes does atmospheric pressure play a role in?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: pulmonary ventilation. Atmospheric pressure plays a crucial role in pulmonary ventilation by creating a pressure gradient that allows air to flow into and out of the lungs during inhalation and exhalation. When the atmospheric pressure is higher than the pressure inside the lungs, air moves in (inhalation); when the pressure inside the lungs is higher, air moves out (exhalation). Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Production of pulmonary surfactant is not directly influenced by atmospheric pressure. Pulmonary surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli to prevent collapse. C: Resistance in the respiratory system is mainly influenced by airway diameter and elasticity of the lungs, not atmospheric pressure. D: Surface tension in the alveoli is affected by pulmonary surfactant, not atmospheric pressure.
Question 2 of 5
In medical term shortness of breathing known as
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Both A and B. "SOB" is the abbreviation for shortness of breath, while "dyspnea" is the medical term for difficulty breathing. Both terms are used interchangeably to describe the sensation of breathing difficulty. Choosing C is correct because it encompasses both terms that are synonymous with the medical condition. Option D is incorrect because there are appropriate terms for shortness of breathing, which are provided in options A and B. Option A is incorrect because it only provides the abbreviation for the term without the actual medical term. Option B is incorrect because it only provides one of the terms used to describe shortness of breathing, while the correct answer includes both terms.
Question 3 of 5
The patient with sleep apnea is fitted with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask and asks the nurse how this device will help. How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a CPAP mask delivers a constant positive pressure to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing airway collapse and interruptions in breathing. This helps improve oxygenation and reduce the frequency of apnea episodes. Choice B is incorrect as intubation is not required with CPAP. Choice C is incorrect as CPAP does not deliver oxygen, it only provides pressurized air. Choice D is incorrect as CPAP delivers positive pressure, not negative pressure, to support breathing.
Question 4 of 5
Which blood pressure (BP) finding by the nurse indicates that no changes in therapy are needed for a 78-yr-old patient with newly diagnosed hypertension?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (118/76 mm Hg) because it falls within the recommended range for a 78-year-old patient with hypertension. The systolic BP should ideally be below 140 mm Hg and the diastolic BP below 90 mm Hg for this age group. Option A is too low for systolic BP, indicating hypotension. Option C has elevated diastolic BP, suggesting uncontrolled hypertension. Option D has high systolic BP, indicating a need for therapy adjustment. Thus, only option B aligns with the guidelines, making it the correct choice.
Question 5 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.