ATI RN
Respiratory System Test Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
While assessing an older adult patient, what finding indicates left-sided heart failure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Crackles. Crackles indicate left-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. This occurs when the left side of the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood, leading to fluid backing up into the lungs. Weight gain (A) may be a general sign of heart failure but is not specific to left-sided failure. Ascites (B) is more indicative of right-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the abdomen. Jugular vein distention (D) is a sign of right-sided heart failure, where blood backs up into the systemic circulation causing jugular vein distention.
Question 2 of 5
Regarding ventilation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because in obstructive lung diseases like COPD, FEV1 is reduced compared to FVC due to air trapping. This is a characteristic feature of obstruction. A: Incorrect, normal FEV1/FVC ratio is around 80-85%. B: Incorrect, in lung fibrosis, both FEV1 and FVC are reduced but the reduction in FVC is typically more prominent. C: Incorrect, while expiratory effort affects FEV1 maneuver, it is not the sole determinant.
Question 3 of 5
When caring for a male patient who has just had a total laryngectomy, the nurse should plan to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Develop an alternative communication method. After a total laryngectomy, the patient loses the ability to speak. Developing an alternative communication method such as using a communication board or electronic device is crucial for effective communication. Encouraging oral feeding (A) is not appropriate initially due to the risk of aspiration. Keeping the tracheostomy cuff fully inflated (C) can obstruct airflow, and keeping the patient flat in bed (D) can lead to respiratory complications. Developing an alternative communication method is essential for the patient's emotional well-being and quality of life.
Question 4 of 5
A male client who weighs 175 lb (79.4 kg) is receiving aminophylline (Aminophylline) (400 mg in 500 ml) at 50 ml/hour. The theophylline level is reported as 6 mcg/ml. The nurse calls the physician who instructs the nurse to change the dosage to 0.45 mg/kg/hour. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Question the order because it's too low. To determine the correct dosage, calculate the current dosage the client is receiving (400 mg in 500 ml at 50 ml/hour). Then calculate the new dosage using the client's weight (79.4 kg). Comparing the two dosages, if the new order is significantly lower than the current dosage, it may not be appropriate for the client's condition. Therefore, the nurse should question the physician's order to ensure the client is receiving an adequate dose. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the discrepancy in dosage and the need to verify the appropriateness of the new order based on the client's weight and current medication regimen.
Question 5 of 5
A 68-year-old male is being admitted to the hospital for an exacerbation of his COPD. The nurse is developing his plan of care. The nurse can expect that this client will?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Require frequent rest periods throughout the day. This is because patients with COPD often experience shortness of breath and fatigue, necessitating frequent rest periods to conserve energy and manage symptoms. Oxygen therapy is typically started at a lower flow rate (2-4 L/min) to avoid suppressing the patient's respiratory drive, so option A is not appropriate. Respiratory isolation is unnecessary for COPD exacerbation, as it is not a contagious condition, making option B incorrect. Fluid restriction is not typically indicated for COPD exacerbation unless the patient has comorbid conditions like heart failure, so option D is not the priority.