RN exams respiratory practice questions set 5

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The correct answer is B: external respiration. This is the part of respiration where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the capillaries lining the alveoli in the lungs. During external respiration, oxygen from the alveoli diffuses into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. A: Pulmonary ventilation refers to the process of breathing, specifically the movement of air in and out of the lungs. This does not involve the actual exchange of gases in the alveoli. C: Transport of respiratory gases involves the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the bloodstream to and from the tissues. This is not specifically related to the exchange of gases in the alveoli. D: Internal respiration refers to the exchange of gases between the bloodstream and the tissues at the cellular level. This does not specifically occur in the alveoli of the lungs.

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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) scars the lung interstitium, reducing elasticity and volumes. Total lung capacity (TLC) decreases (e.g., from 6 L to 4 L) as stiff lungs resist expansion. FEV1 and FVC both drop due to restricted capacity, though their ratio (FEV1/FVC) stays normal or high (≥80%). Arterial PO2 (PaO2) falls (e.g., from 75-100 mmHg to 60 mmHg) due to impaired diffusion across thickened alveoli, causing hypoxemia. However, total pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) increases as fibrosis compresses and obliterates capillaries, narrowing the vascular bed and raising resistance to blood flow. This can strain the right heart, potentially leading to cor pulmonale, a known IPF complication. Among these, only PVR exceeds normal levels, reflecting the disease's vascular impact, while volumes and oxygenation decline, aligning with IPF's restrictive pattern and distinguishing it from healthy physiology.

Correct answer:

For a middle-aged client with flu symptoms, the nurse suggests nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and acetaminophen as over-the-counter options. NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce fever, pain, and inflammation from flu-related myalgia. Acetaminophen lowers fever and relieves aches, a staple for symptom relief. Aspirin, while effective for fever and pain, carries risks (e.g., stomach irritation), but remains an option for adults without contraindications. Antivirals like oseltamivir require prescriptions, not OTC, ruling them out. Antiemetics might help nausea but aren't core flu treatments. The nurse recommends these based on their accessibility and efficacy for fever, aches, and discomfort common flu complaints advising proper dosing and caution (e.g., aspirin's Reye's risk if misused). This empowers the client to manage symptoms safely at home, aligning with self-care goals for uncomplicated flu.

Correct answer:

In anemia (Hb = 5 g/100 ml), choice D (PₙO₂ decreased) is incorrect. PₙO₂ (assumed PaO₂, arterial pO₂) remains normal (≈100 mmHg) because lung function isn't impaired; only O₂-carrying capacity drops. Choice A (decreased TPR) is correct; reduced blood viscosity lowers total peripheral resistance. Choice B (increased cardiac output) is true; the heart compensates for lower O₂ content by pumping more blood. Choice C (increased 2,3-DPG) is accurate; RBCs produce more 2,3-DPG to shift the O₂ dissociation curve rightward, enhancing O₂ unloading to tissues. Choice E (curve shifts right) supports this adaptation. PaO₂ reflects dissolved O₂, not Hb-bound O₂, so it's unaffected by anemia unless hypoxemia coexists. The body's compensatory mechanisms focus on delivery, not arterial pO₂, making D the false statement here.

Correct answer:

The correct answer is A: The patient has a narrowed airway. Wheezing throughout the lung fields indicates the presence of narrowed airways, often due to conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wheezing is caused by turbulent airflow through narrowed airways, leading to a high-pitched whistling sound during expiration. This is a characteristic finding in patients with obstructive airway diseases. Summary of other choices: B: The patient having pneumonia would typically present with symptoms like fever, cough, and consolidation on auscultation, not wheezing. C: The patient needing physiotherapy may have respiratory muscle weakness or secretion clearance issues but would not typically present with wheezing throughout lung fields. D: The presence of a hemothorax (blood in the pleural space) would manifest as decreased breath sounds and signs of respiratory distress but not wheezing.

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The correct answer is B: Do you have any chronic breathing problems? This question is appropriate because equal AP and lateral chest diameters could indicate barrel chest, which is often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other chronic breathing problems. Asking about chronic breathing problems can help the nurse further assess the client's respiratory health. Incorrect answers: A: Are you taking any medications or herbal supplements? This question is not directly related to the observed chest diameter findings. C: How often do you perform aerobic exercise? This question is not relevant to the physical assessment findings and does not address the potential respiratory issue. D: What is your occupation and what are your hobbies? This question does not directly address the equal AP and lateral chest diameters and does not help in assessing the respiratory status of the client.

Correct answer:

Normal inhalation follows a mechanical sequence. (5) Contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostals starts it, expanding the thoracic cavity. (1) This lowers intrapleural pressure (IPP) from -4 mmHg (756 mmHg) to -6 mmHg (754 mmHg), increasing transpulmonary pressure. (3) Lung size increases as the lungs expand with the chest wall. (4) Intra-alveolar pressure drops to 759 mmHg (-1 mmHg) as volume rises (Boyle's law), creating a gradient from atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). (2) Air flows in from higher to lower pressure. The order 5,1,3,4,2 reflects causality: muscle action lowers IPP, expands lungs, drops alveolar pressure, and drives airflow. Alternatives disrupt this: 5,2,3,4,1 puts flow before pressure changes; 1,3,4,5,2 starts with IPP drop without muscle action; 5,4,3,2,1 misplaces alveolar pressure before lung expansion. The correct sequence mirrors respiratory physiology's step-by-step process.

Correct answer:

Resting in bed and drinking plenty of fluids are the most effective self-care measures for recovering from influenza, a viral illness. Rest reduces physical strain, allowing the immune system to focus energy on fighting the virus, while hydration thins mucus, prevents dehydration from fever, and supports overall recovery. Acetaminophen relieves symptoms like fever and aches but doesn't speed recovery itself. Antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses, so they're inappropriate unless a secondary bacterial infection occurs, which requires medical evaluation. Zinc lozenges lack consistent evidence for shortening flu duration and aren't a primary recommendation. The nurse's advice prioritizes foundational care rest and fluids proven to support the body's natural healing process, aligning with CDC guidelines for uncomplicated flu management, ensuring the client recovers efficiently without unnecessary interventions.

Correct answer:

The correct answer is B: external respiration. This is the part of respiration where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the capillaries lining the alveoli in the lungs. During external respiration, oxygen from the alveoli diffuses into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses into the alveoli to be exhaled. A: Pulmonary ventilation refers to the process of breathing, specifically the movement of air in and out of the lungs. This does not involve the actual exchange of gases in the alveoli. C: Transport of respiratory gases involves the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the bloodstream to and from the tissues. This is not specifically related to the exchange of gases in the alveoli. D: Internal respiration refers to the exchange of gases between the bloodstream and the tissues at the cellular level. This does not specifically occur in the alveoli of the lungs.

Correct answer:

Atmospheric air contains approximately 21% oxygen (O2) and 0.04% carbon dioxide (CO2), meaning O2's percentage is much higher than CO2's, reflecting their natural abundances. Solubility in blood, governed by Henry's law, depends on the solubility coefficient of each gas. O2 has a solubility coefficient of about 0.024 ml O2/mmHg/L blood, while CO2's is much higher at 0.51 ml CO2/mmHg/L blood over 20 times greater. This means CO2 is far more soluble in solution than O2, despite its lower atmospheric presence. In blood, O2 relies heavily on hemoglobin binding (98% of transport), with only ~1-2% dissolved, whereas CO2 is transported dissolved (~7%), as bicarbonate (~70%), and bound to hemoglobin (~23%), leveraging its high solubility. Thus, O2's higher atmospheric percentage contrasts with its lower solubility compared to CO2, driving distinct transport mechanisms critical for respiration and acid-base balance.