A nurse is caring for a client who has frequent upper respiratory infections. Which structure is most helpful in protecting against infection?
- A. Cilia
- B. Sinus cavity
- C. Tonsils
- D. Turbinates
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tonsils and adenoids do not contribute to respiration but protect against infection. Palatine tonsils are composed of lymphoid tissue. Cilia are fine hairs that move particles and liquid, preventing irritation and contamination of the airway. Sinuses are nasal cavity structures. Turbinates warm and add moisture to the inspired air.
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The nurse is providing health education on the body's ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through the alveolar capillary membrane. Which statement, provided by the nurse, is most correct when asked about diffusion during inspiration?
- A. During inspiration, the concentration of oxygen is equal in both the alveoli and the capillaries.
- B. During inspiration, oxygen diffuses from the arterial system through to the alveolar capillary membrane.
- C. During inspiration, carbon dioxide provides the basis for all diffusion gradients.
- D. During inspiration, oxygen is greater in the alveoli than in the capillaries.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During inspiration, oxygen-rich air from the environment enters the pulmonary system. During inspiration, the concentration of inspired oxygen is higher in the alveoli than in the capillaries, causing diffusion from the alveoli to the capillaries. Thus, the concentration of oxygen is not equal in the alveoli and capillaries. There is no diffusion from the arterial system after the oxygen diffuses from the alveoli to the capillaries. Carbon dioxide does not provide the basis for all diffusion gradients.
A client experiences a head injury in a motor vehicle accident. The client's level of consciousness is declining, and respirations have become slow and shallow. When monitoring a client's respiratory status, which area of the brain would the nurse realize is responsible for the rate and depth?
- A. The pons
- B. The frontal lobe
- C. Central sulcus
- D. Wernicke's area
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The inspiratory and expiratory centers in the medulla oblongata and pons control the rate and depth of ventilation. When injury occurs or increased intracranial pressure results, respirations are slowed. The frontal lobe completes executive functions and cognition. The central sulcus is a fold in the cerebral cortex called the central fissure. The Wernicke's area is the area linked to speech.
What would the instructor tell the students purulent fluid indicates?
- A. Cancer
- B. Infection
- C. Inflammation
- D. Heart failure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A small amount of fluid lies between the visceral and parietal pleurae. When excess fluid or air accumulates, the physician aspirates it from the pleural space by inserting a needle into the chest wall. This procedure, called thoracentesis, is performed with local anesthesia. Thoracentesis also may be used to obtain a sample of pleural fluid or a biopsy specimen from the pleural wall for diagnostic purposes such as a culture, sensitivity, or microscopic examination. Purulent fluid is the recommended diagnosis for infection. Serous fluid may be associated with cancer, inflammatory conditions, or heart failure.
The nurse is suctioning a client who is unable to expectorate respiratory secretions. At which point does the nurse expect the client to experience coughing?
- A. When the catheter reaches the back of the pharynx
- B. When the catheter enters the main bronchus of the lung
- C. When the catheter reaches the point of the carina
- D. When the catheter tickles the uvula
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Upon the catheter stimulating the carina, coughing and even bronchospasm may occur. Productive secretions may be loosened and eliminated via the suction catheter. When the catheter reaches the back of the pharynx near the uvula, the gag reflex is initiated. The suction catheter does not reach the entrance of the lung.
A nurse is instructing the client on the normal sensations that can occur when contrast medium is infused during pulmonary angiography. Which client statement demonstrates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will feel a dull pain when the catheter is introduced.'
- B. I will feel light-headed when the contrast medium is introduced.'
- C. I will feel waves of nausea throughout the procedure.'
- D. I will feel warm and may have chest pain'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During a pulmonary angiography, a contrast medium is injected into the femoral circulation. When the medium is infused, the client will feel warm and flushed, with a possibility of chest pain. The client will feel pressure when the catheter is inserted. The client does not typically feel light-headed or nauseated during this procedure.
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