ATI Respiratory Post Test| Entrance
Exam Questions and Answers| Verified
2025|
Explain the role of pulse oximetry in respiratory assessment
Pulse oximetry helps monitor oxygen levels in the blood, showing if a patient is getting
enough oxygen. It’s non-invasive and gives real-time data.
Identify the significance of crackles heard during lung auscultation
Crackles can indicate fluid in the lungs, like in conditions such as pneumonia or heart failure.
They suggest impaired lung function or infection.
Explain the importance of positioning a patient upright for respiratory distress
Sitting upright allows better lung expansion, improving oxygenation. It helps reduce strain
on the diaphragm and makes breathing easier for the patient.
Assess the role of incentive spirometry in preventing atelectasis
Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing, preventing the air sacs in the lungs from
collapsing, which reduces the risk of atelectasis after surgery.
Explain why pulse rate changes in response to respiratory distress
When the body is in respiratory distress, it works harder to get oxygen, so the heart rate
increases to compensate for the lower oxygen levels.
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Describe the expected findings when assessing a patient with a pneumothorax
A pneumothorax can cause absent breath sounds on one side, a rapid heart rate, and difficulty
breathing. The chest may appear asymmetrical, and there could be pain on the affected side.
Evaluate the importance of monitoring respiratory rate in patients with COPD
COPD patients may have a higher baseline respiratory rate, so monitoring helps assess if
their condition is worsening, indicating the need for oxygen therapy or other interventions.
Assess the purpose of administering a bronchodilator in an asthma attack
A bronchodilator helps open up the airways, making it easier to breathe during an asthma
attack. It relieves the constriction in the muscles around the airways.
Explain the rationale for using a peak flow meter in asthma management
A peak flow meter measures how fast a person can exhale. It helps track asthma control and
can predict when an asthma attack might occur based on declining readings.
Discuss the implications of a positive sputum culture in respiratory infections
A positive sputum culture indicates that bacteria or another pathogen is present in the lungs,
meaning an infection like pneumonia or bronchitis is likely.