1
The Respiratory System ATI Exam|
Questions and Answers| Latest Version
(2024/2025)| Correct and Verified
What’s actually happening in the lungs when someone has emphysema?
The alveoli get damaged and lose their stretch, so it’s hard to push air out. That means old air
gets trapped and there’s not enough space for fresh oxygen.
Why does a patient with COPD often have a barrel chest?
Because they’re constantly using their accessory muscles to breathe, and air gets trapped in
the lungs, which makes the chest look rounded or puffed out.
How can pursed-lip breathing help someone with chronic respiratory issues?
It slows down exhalation and keeps the airways open longer, so it’s easier to breathe out fully
and get rid of trapped air.
What’s the difference between ventilation and perfusion in the lungs?
Ventilation is about getting air into the lungs, and perfusion is about blood flow getting to the
alveoli to pick up the oxygen.
Why do we check a peak flow reading in someone with asthma?
It tells us how well they can blow air out of their lungs. If it’s low, their airways are probably
narrowed and they might be having a flare-up.
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Why should a patient rinse their mouth after using an inhaled corticosteroid?
To stop thrush (a fungal infection) from developing, because the steroids can mess with the
natural balance in the mouth.
What kind of breath sounds might you hear in a patient with pneumonia?
Crackles – kind of like bubbling or popping, because there’s fluid in the alveoli.
Why is high-flow oxygen not always a good idea for COPD patients?
Their body can get used to low oxygen levels, so giving too much oxygen can mess with
their drive to breathe and make them worse.
What’s the main goal when treating someone during an asthma attack?
Open up their airways fast and reduce inflammation so they can breathe easier and get
enough oxygen.
How can positioning help someone with breathing problems?
Sitting upright helps expand the lungs and makes it easier to breathe. Lying flat can make it
worse, especially if there's fluid or pressure in the chest.
Why are ABGs (arterial blood gases) important in respiratory assessments?
They show how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in the blood, and whether the body’s in
balance or going into respiratory acidosis/alkalosis.
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What’s the purpose of a bronchodilator?
It relaxes the muscles around the airways, so they open up and let more air in and out.
How does incentive spirometry help after surgery?
It encourages deep breaths to prevent lung collapse (atelectasis) and keep the airways clear.
What’s a sign that someone with respiratory distress is getting worse fast?
If they suddenly get super drowsy or confused, that could mean their oxygen levels are
crashing and they’re not compensating anymore.
Why would a nurse monitor a patient with a chest tube closely?
To make sure it’s draining properly and that there’s no air leak or infection. Any sudden
change can be a red flag.
What’s the risk of giving opioids to someone with bad respiratory function?
Opioids can slow down breathing, which is dangerous if their lungs are already struggling.
Why might someone with pneumonia have low oxygen levels even if they’re breathing fast?
Because the alveoli are filled with fluid or pus, so oxygen can’t get through to the blood
properly.
The Respiratory System ATI Exam|
Questions and Answers| Latest Version
(2024/2025)| Correct and Verified
What’s actually happening in the lungs when someone has emphysema?
The alveoli get damaged and lose their stretch, so it’s hard to push air out. That means old air
gets trapped and there’s not enough space for fresh oxygen.
Why does a patient with COPD often have a barrel chest?
Because they’re constantly using their accessory muscles to breathe, and air gets trapped in
the lungs, which makes the chest look rounded or puffed out.
How can pursed-lip breathing help someone with chronic respiratory issues?
It slows down exhalation and keeps the airways open longer, so it’s easier to breathe out fully
and get rid of trapped air.
What’s the difference between ventilation and perfusion in the lungs?
Ventilation is about getting air into the lungs, and perfusion is about blood flow getting to the
alveoli to pick up the oxygen.
Why do we check a peak flow reading in someone with asthma?
It tells us how well they can blow air out of their lungs. If it’s low, their airways are probably
narrowed and they might be having a flare-up.
, 2
Why should a patient rinse their mouth after using an inhaled corticosteroid?
To stop thrush (a fungal infection) from developing, because the steroids can mess with the
natural balance in the mouth.
What kind of breath sounds might you hear in a patient with pneumonia?
Crackles – kind of like bubbling or popping, because there’s fluid in the alveoli.
Why is high-flow oxygen not always a good idea for COPD patients?
Their body can get used to low oxygen levels, so giving too much oxygen can mess with
their drive to breathe and make them worse.
What’s the main goal when treating someone during an asthma attack?
Open up their airways fast and reduce inflammation so they can breathe easier and get
enough oxygen.
How can positioning help someone with breathing problems?
Sitting upright helps expand the lungs and makes it easier to breathe. Lying flat can make it
worse, especially if there's fluid or pressure in the chest.
Why are ABGs (arterial blood gases) important in respiratory assessments?
They show how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in the blood, and whether the body’s in
balance or going into respiratory acidosis/alkalosis.
, 3
What’s the purpose of a bronchodilator?
It relaxes the muscles around the airways, so they open up and let more air in and out.
How does incentive spirometry help after surgery?
It encourages deep breaths to prevent lung collapse (atelectasis) and keep the airways clear.
What’s a sign that someone with respiratory distress is getting worse fast?
If they suddenly get super drowsy or confused, that could mean their oxygen levels are
crashing and they’re not compensating anymore.
Why would a nurse monitor a patient with a chest tube closely?
To make sure it’s draining properly and that there’s no air leak or infection. Any sudden
change can be a red flag.
What’s the risk of giving opioids to someone with bad respiratory function?
Opioids can slow down breathing, which is dangerous if their lungs are already struggling.
Why might someone with pneumonia have low oxygen levels even if they’re breathing fast?
Because the alveoli are filled with fluid or pus, so oxygen can’t get through to the blood
properly.
