ATI RN
Respiratory System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of these does not affect diffusion rate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Molecular weight of gas. Diffusion rate is inversely proportional to the square root of the molecular weight of the gas. This means that as the molecular weight increases, the diffusion rate decreases. This is because heavier molecules move more slowly and have a harder time diffusing through a medium. Surface area for diffusion, concentration gradient, and solubility of gas all directly affect diffusion rate. Increasing the surface area for diffusion allows for more space for molecules to diffuse, a steeper concentration gradient increases the rate of diffusion, and higher solubility of gas in a medium enhances the diffusion rate.
Question 2 of 5
After undergoing a left pneumonectomy, a female patient has a chest tube in place for drainage. When caring for this patient, the nurse must:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why "Encourage coughing and deep breathing" (Choice C) is the correct answer: 1. After pneumonectomy, patient is at risk for lung complications. 2. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing helps prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. 3. It promotes lung expansion and clears secretions. 4. This intervention supports respiratory function and aids in recovery. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: A. Monitoring fluctuations in the water-seal chamber (Choice A) is important for assessing the status of the chest tube drainage, but not the immediate priority for patient care post-pneumonectomy. B. Clamping the chest tube once every shift (Choice B) is not recommended as it can lead to complications like tension pneumothorax. D. Milking the chest tube every 2 hours (Choice D) is unnecessary and can cause trauma to the lung tissue and increase the risk of infection.
Question 3 of 5
A slightly obese female client with a history of allergy-induced asthma, hypertension, and mitral valve prolapse is admitted to an acute care facility for elective surgery. The nurse obtains a complete history and performs a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. When percussing the client's chest wall, the nurse expects to elicit:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Resonant sounds. Percussing the chest of a healthy individual typically elicits resonant sounds due to the presence of air-filled lung tissue. In this case, the client has a history of asthma, which indicates airway inflammation and possible mucus accumulation, making resonant sounds more likely. Hyperresonant sounds (B) are typically heard in conditions like emphysema with increased lung volume. Dull sounds (C) are indicative of fluid or solid tissue present in the lungs, which is not expected in this client. Flat sounds (D) are heard over areas of solid tissue or muscle, not in the chest of a client with respiratory conditions.
Question 4 of 5
A 64-year-old female is admitted to the hospital. She has smoked two packs per day for 30 years. While providing her history, she becomes dyspneic and appears very anxious. She has a cough with thick white sputum production. Her chest is barrel shaped. Based on these data, the nurse will need to develop a plan of care for a client with?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The patient's smoking history, dyspnea, anxiety, chronic cough with sputum production, and barrel-shaped chest are indicative of COPD. Smoking is the primary cause of COPD, leading to airway inflammation and airflow limitation. The dyspnea, cough, and sputum production are common symptoms of COPD due to air trapping and mucus hypersecretion. The barrel-shaped chest is a sign of hyperinflation of the lungs seen in COPD patients. Pneumonia (A) typically presents with symptoms like fever and productive cough, not necessarily dyspnea and barrel chest. Tuberculosis (C) commonly presents with weight loss, night sweats, and hemoptysis, not the symptoms described. Asthma (D) often presents with wheezing, chest tightness, and reversible airflow obstruction, not the chronic symptoms described in this case.
Question 5 of 5
A 19-year-old client comes to the emergency department with acute asthma. His respiratory rate is 44 breaths/minute, and he appears in acute respiratory distress. Which of the following actions should be taken first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Give a bronchodilator by nebulizer. In acute asthma, the priority is to relieve respiratory distress by opening up the airways. Bronchodilators help to quickly alleviate bronchospasm and improve airflow. This action should be taken first to improve the client's breathing. Taking a full medical history (A) can be important but is not the priority in this acute situation. Applying a cardiac monitor (C) is not the immediate concern in acute asthma. Providing emotional support (D) is also important but should come after ensuring the client's respiratory distress is managed.