ATI LPN
Questions for Respiratory System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following structures is NOT part of the upper respiratory tract?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The lung (C) isn't upper respiratory . The upper tract nose, pharynx, larynx, epiglottis filters and warms air. The larynx (A) vibrates for speech, epiglottis (D) guards the trachea (B), which links to lower airways. Lungs (C), distal to the trachea, perform gas exchange (300 million alveoli), not air conduction. C's role in exchange unlike A's phonation or B's conduit function excludes it from the upper tract, per anatomy (Page 2).
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following values is above normal in a patient suffering from severe respiratory muscle weakness?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Severe respiratory muscle weakness raises arterial PCO2 (D). Normal PCO2 is 35-45 mmHg; weakness (e.g., diaphragm paralysis) cuts ventilation (Vt < 500 mL), causing CO2 retention (> 45 mmHg). Tidal volume (A) drops (~300 mL vs. 500 mL), vital capacity (C) falls (< 4 L vs. 4.8 L) due to weak inspiratory force, and oxyhemoglobin saturation (B) decreases (< 95%) from hypoventilation. D's elevation unlike A's or C's reduction stems from inadequate alveolar ventilation (Va = (Vt - Vd) × RR), pushing PCO2 up as O2 drops (Q15), per gas exchange physiology.
Question 3 of 5
In a normal human, The total lung capacity (TLC) is approximately equal to?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Total lung capacity (TLC) is ~6 L. TLC = RV (~1.2 L) + ERV (~1.3 L) + Vt (~0.5 L) + IRV (~3 L), varying by size/sex (5-7 L). B's 2 L is too low (near FRC). C's 4 L approximates VC. D's 9 L exceeds norms. A's 6 L unlike B's underestimation matches spirometry standards for healthy adults, per physiology's volume summation.
Question 4 of 5
Regarding lung compliance, all of the following are correct EXCEPT?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: More surface tension reduces compliance. Compliance (ΔV/ΔP, A) is ~0.2 L/cm H2O normally, highest at FRC (B). High tension (no surfactant) stiffens alveoli (Q5), lowering compliance not raising it (C). Fibrosis cuts it (D, < 0.1 L/cm H2O, Q1). Emphysema boosts it . C's reversal unlike A's definition opposes Laplace's law (P = 2T/r), per physiology.
Question 5 of 5
One of the following PFT values are consistent with both obstructive and restrictive lung diseases?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Decreased FEV1 (D) fits both obstructive (e.g., COPD) and restrictive (e.g., fibrosis) diseases. Obstructive: FEV1 drops (air trapping), FVC normal/low, ratio < 70%. Restrictive: FEV1 and FVC decrease, ratio ≥ 80% (Q1). RV rises in obstructive (Q13), falls in restrictive (A, false). TLC increases in obstructive, decreases in restrictive (B, false). Vascular resistance rises in restrictive (C, false, Q10). D's universal drop unlike A's specificity aligns with spirometry, per physiology.