The atmospheric pressure at sea level is
- A. 1,000mm Hg.
- B. 760mm Hg.
- C. 540mm Hg.
- D. 400mm Hg.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The atmospheric pressure at sea level is typically around 760mm Hg, which is equivalent to 101.3 kilopascals. This is the standard atmospheric pressure used in various scientific calculations. This value represents the pressure exerted by the weight of air above a given area at sea level. Choice B is correct because it accurately reflects the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the accepted value for atmospheric pressure at sea level.
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Regarding control of ventilation
- A. The apneustic centre lies in the medulla
- B. The central chemoreceptors respond to changes in oxygen concentrations
- C. The chemoreceptors in the aortic bodies respond to a fall in arterial pH
- D. Peripheral chemoreceptors respond to decreases in arterial pO2
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Peripheral chemoreceptors respond to decreases in arterial pO2. These chemoreceptors located in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies detect changes in arterial pO2 levels, triggering an increase in ventilation to compensate for low oxygen levels. The apneustic center (A) is located in the pons, not the medulla. Central chemoreceptors (B) primarily respond to changes in arterial CO2 levels, not oxygen concentrations. The chemoreceptors in the aortic bodies (C) primarily respond to changes in arterial pCO2, not pH. Overall, choice D is correct due to the specific role of peripheral chemoreceptors in detecting decreases in arterial pO2 levels and regulating ventilation accordingly.
Total alveolar surface area is reduced in
- A. lung cancer
- B. atelectasis
- C. emphysema
- D. pneumothorax
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: emphysema. Emphysema is a condition characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls, leading to a decrease in alveolar surface area for gas exchange. This reduction in surface area impairs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. In contrast, lung cancer (A) primarily affects lung tissue but may not directly reduce alveolar surface area. Atelectasis (B) refers to the collapse of lung tissue, which can impact ventilation but not necessarily alveolar surface area. Pneumothorax (D) is the presence of air in the pleural space and does not directly affect alveolar surface area.
An older adult is brought to the emergency department by a family member who reports a moderate change in mental status and mild cough. The client is afebrile. The primary health care provider orders a chest x-ray. The family member questions why this is needed since the symptoms seem so vague. What response by the nurse is best?
- A. Chest x-rays are always ordered when we suspect pneumonia.
- B. Older people often have vague symptoms, so an x-ray is essential.
- C. The x-ray can be done and read before laboratory work is reported.
- D. We are testing for any possible source of infection in the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because older adults often present with atypical or vague symptoms when they have an underlying infection, including pneumonia. It is crucial to assess for pneumonia in older adults promptly because they may not exhibit classic signs like fever. An x-ray is essential to confirm or rule out pneumonia as it allows for visualization of lung abnormalities.
Choice A is incorrect because not all older adults with vague symptoms automatically have pneumonia, and ordering a chest x-ray is based on clinical judgment. Choice C is incorrect as the timing of the x-ray in relation to laboratory work is not the primary reason for ordering it. Choice D is incorrect because the x-ray is specifically to assess for pneumonia, not for general infection sources.
The 79-year-old patient with bacterial pneumonia becomes increasingly restless, confused,
and agitated. The patient’s temperature is 100° F, and his pulse, blood pressure, and
respirations are elevated since the last assessment 6 hours ago. What action should the nurse
take first?
- A. Auscultate the patient's lungs.
- B. Assess the patient's oxygen saturation.
- C. Administer the mild sedative as ordered.
- D. Administer an ordered analgesic for discomfort.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient's oxygen saturation first. In a patient with bacterial pneumonia showing signs of restlessness, confusion, and agitation along with elevated vital signs, the priority is to assess oxygen saturation to rule out hypoxemia. Hypoxemia can lead to cognitive changes and increased agitation in older adults. Administering a sedative (choice C) or an analgesic (choice D) without addressing the underlying hypoxemia can worsen the patient's condition. Auscultating the lungs (choice A) is important but should come after assessing oxygen saturation to prioritize immediate interventions.
The inspiratory capacity is a total of what two pulmonary volumes?
- A. tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume
- B. vital capacity and tidal volume
- C. vital capacity and inspiratory reserve volume
- D. residual volume and tidal volume
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The inspiratory capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal exhalation. It is the sum of tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume. Tidal volume is the volume of air inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing, while inspiratory reserve volume is the additional air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Vital capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation. It does not include tidal volume, so this choice is incorrect.
C: Vital capacity includes inspiratory reserve volume, not tidal volume, so this choice is incorrect.
D: Residual volume is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation, not part of inspiratory capacity. Tidal volume is the only correct component in this choice.