Chapter 12: The Respiratory System

Chapter 12: The Respiratory System

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. What is the purpose of mucus?

a.	To warm the air entering the lungs.
b.	To trap particles and bacteria.
c.	To protect the cilia.
d.	To clean the sinus cavity.

 

 

ANS:  B

Mucus traps particles and bacteria that may be in the inspired air.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   252

OBJ:   1 (theory)       TOP:   Mucus            KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

2. A patient with emphysema presents to the emergency room with severe dyspnea; O₂ saturation is 74%, pulse is 120, and respirations are 26. The nurse positions the patient in high Fowler. What action should the nurse take next?

a.	Collect a sputum specimen.
b.	Coach the patient in pursed-lip breathing.
c.	Give oxygen at 5 L/min by nasal cannula.
d.	Ensure patent intravenous (IV) access.

 

 

ANS:  B

Coaching in pursed-lip breathing will open the respiratory tree with negative pressure. Oxygen given at such a high concentration will cause an emphysemic patient to stop breathing. Collecting a sputum specimen and ensuring patent IV access are appropriate interventions that should be performed after the patient’s dyspnea is addressed.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   268

OBJ:   7 (clinical)      TOP:   Oxygen Administration to Emphysemic Patient

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

3. The nurse explains that the mechanism that triggers rate and depth of respiration is based on which factor?

a.	Ease of respiration.
b.	Alveolar pressure.
c.	Patency of bronchi.
d.	Blood pH.

 

 

ANS:  D

Chemoreceptors in the brainstem and carotid arteries measure hydrogen concentration, as well as CO₂ and O₂, to trigger respiration rate to correct the excessive CO₂.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   254

OBJ:   2 (theory)       TOP:   Ventilation and Blood pH

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

4. When creating a visual aid to show the mechanics of inhaling, the nurse correctly illustrates which scenario?

a.	The diaphragm moves downward.
b.	The negative pressure of the lung converts to positive pressure.
c.	The muscles contract and pull the rib cage downward.
d.	The bronchi enlarge.

 

 

ANS:  A

On inspiration, the diaphragm moves down, increasing the area of negative pressure, muscles pull the rib cage up, and the positive-pressure room air flows into the negative-pressure lungs.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   254

OBJ:   1 (theory)       TOP:   Mechanics of Inspiration

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

5. Which substance decreases the surface tension of the alveolar walls?

a.	Plasma
b.	Surfactant
c.	Cilia
d.	Mucus

 

 

ANS:  B

Surfactant is the substance that reduces the surface tension of the walls of the alveoli, making gas exchange more effective.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   254

OBJ:   1 (theory)       TOP:   Surfactant      KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation