NCLEX RN Questions on Respiratory System

NCLEX RN Questions on Respiratory System Related

Review NCLEX RN Questions on Respiratory System related questions and content

Nurse Maureen has assisted a physician with the insertion of a chest tube. The nurse monitors the client and notes fluctuation of the fluid level in the water seal chamber after the tube is inserted. Based on this assessment, which action would be appropriate?

  • A. Inform the physician.
  • B. Continue to monitor the client.
  • C. Reinforce the occlusive dressing.
  • D. Encourage the client to deep breathe.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Continue to monitor the client. Fluctuation of fluid level in the water seal chamber post chest tube insertion indicates proper functioning of the chest tube system. This signifies that the tube is effectively draining fluid or air from the pleural space. It is essential to continue monitoring the client to ensure ongoing proper functioning of the chest tube. Informing the physician (Choice A) is not necessary at this point unless there are other concerning symptoms. Reinforcing the occlusive dressing (Choice C) is not indicated unless there is a leak or issue with the dressing. Encouraging the client to deep breathe (Choice D) is unrelated to the assessment of the chest tube system.

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Which of the following is NOT found in lung tissue?

  • A. blood capillaries
  • B. alveolar sacs
  • C. interstitial fluid
  • D. muscle
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: muscle. Lung tissue does not contain muscle tissue; instead, it is primarily composed of alveolar sacs for gas exchange, blood capillaries for oxygen exchange, and interstitial fluid for support. Muscles are not part of the structure of the lungs as they are not involved in the respiratory process. In summary, muscles are not found in lung tissue, making option D the correct choice.

The nurse assesses wheezes in a patient with asthma and realizes that these breath sounds result from:

  • A. Increased thickness of respiratory secretions.
  • B. Use of accessory muscles of respiration.
  • C. Tachypnea and tachycardia.
  • D. Movement of air through narrowed airways.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because wheezes in asthma are caused by the movement of air through narrowed airways due to bronchoconstriction and inflammation. This narrowing leads to turbulent airflow, resulting in the characteristic high-pitched musical sound of wheezes. Increased thickness of respiratory secretions (A) may cause crackles, not wheezes. Use of accessory muscles (B) indicates respiratory distress but does not directly cause wheezes. Tachypnea and tachycardia (C) are common in asthma but do not directly cause wheezes. Thus, D is the most directly related to the pathophysiology of wheezes in asthma.

The organs of the respiratory zone of the respiratory system include all the following EXCEPT:

  • A. trachea
  • B. small bronchioles
  • C. alveoli ducts
  • D. alveoli
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: trachea. The trachea is not part of the respiratory zone, which is where gas exchange occurs. The respiratory zone includes the small bronchioles, alveoli ducts, and alveoli. The trachea is part of the conducting zone, which is responsible for transporting air to and from the respiratory zone. Therefore, the trachea is not directly involved in gas exchange, making it the correct answer. The other choices, B: small bronchioles, C: alveoli ducts, and D: alveoli, are all part of the respiratory zone and play a crucial role in gas exchange.

which of the following is a chronic respiratory disorder caused by smoking?

  • A. asthma
  • B. emphysema
  • C. respiratory alkalosis
  • D. Acidosis
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer because it is a chronic respiratory disorder specifically caused by smoking. Smoking damages the air sacs in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Asthma is a separate condition involving airway inflammation. Respiratory alkalosis and acidosis refer to imbalances in blood pH levels, not directly caused by smoking.

The covering of the lung is called

  • A. Pericardium
  • B. Perichondrium
  • C. Pleural membrane/ pleura
  • D. Peritoneum
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pleural membrane/pleura. The pleural membrane is a double-layered serous membrane that covers the lungs. The visceral pleura is attached to the lung surface, while the parietal pleura lines the chest cavity. This arrangement helps reduce friction and allows the lungs to expand during breathing.

A: Pericardium covers the heart, not the lungs.
B: Perichondrium covers cartilage, not the lungs.
D: Peritoneum covers abdominal organs, not the lungs.

Therefore, the correct choice is C because it specifically refers to the covering of the lungs.

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