Chapter 13: The Respiratory System

Chapter 13: The Respiratory System

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse explains that the purpose of mucus is to:

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

 

 

ANS:  B

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

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   257                OBJ:   1 (theory)

TOP:   Mucus            KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

2. A patient with emphysema enters the emergency room with severe dyspnea; O₂ saturation is 74%, pulse is 120, and respirations are 26. After positioning the patient in high Fowler’s, the nurse should:

a.	attempt to help the patient slow her respirations.
b.	coach in pursed-lip breathing.
c.	give oxygen at 5 L/min by nasal cannula.
d.	reposition patient in orthopneic position.

 

 

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. High Fowler’s position is beneficial and easy to position with minimal equipment.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   272                OBJ:   2 (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:

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 O_2, to trigger respiration rate to correct the excessive CO₂.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   259                OBJ:   2 (theory)

TOP:   Ventilation and Blood pH                KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

4. The nurse uses a visual aid to show the mechanics of inhaling which correctly illustrates:

a.	the diaphragm moves down.
b.	the negative pressure of the lung converts to positive pressure.
c.	muscles contract, pulling the rib cage down.
d.	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.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   259                OBJ:   2 (theory)

TOP:   Mechanics of Inspiration                 KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

5. The nurse explains that the substance that decreases the surface tension of the alveolar walls is:

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.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   259                OBJ:   1 (theory)

TOP:   Surfactant       KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation