1
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored
Exam
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored Exam
Test Bank 3 2026 – 350 Verified Questions
and Detailed Answers WITH DETAILED
RATIONALESLATEST EXAM (BRAND
NEW!!)
A client with emphysema should receive only 1 to 3 L/minute of oxygen, if needed, or he may
lose his hypoxic drive. Which statement is correct about hypoxic drive?
1. The client doesn't notice he needs to breathe.
2. The client breathes only when his oxygen levels climb above a certain point
3. The client breathes only when his oxygen levels dip below a certain point
4. The client breathes only when his carbon dioxide level dips below a certain point –
, 2
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored
Exam
Correct Answer :*3. The client breathes only when his oxygen levels dip below a certain
point*
Clients with emphysema breathe when their oxygen levels drop to a certain level; this is
known as the hypoxic drive. They don't take a breath when their levels of carbon dioxide are
higher than normal, as do those with healthy respiratory physiology.
Teaching for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should include which topic?
1. How to listen to his own lungs
2. How to change his oxygen therapy
3. How to treat respiratory infections without going to the physician
4, How to recognize the signs of an impending respiratory infection –
Correct Answer :*4, How to recognize the signs of an impending respiratory infection*
Respiratory infection in clients with a respiratory disorder can be fatal. It's important that the
client understands how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an impending respi- ratory
infection.
Which respiratory disorder is most common in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery?
1.Atelectasis
2. Bronchitis
3. Pneumonia
4. Pneumothorax –
Correct Answer :*1.Atelectasis*
Atelectasis develops when there's interference with the normal negative pressure that
promotes lung expansion.
Which measure can reduce or prevent the incidence of atelectasis in a postoperative client?
1. Chest physiotherapy
, 3
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored
2. Mechanical ventilation Exam
3. Reducing oxygen requirements
4. Use of an incentive spirometer –
Correct Answer :4. Use of an incentive spirometer
Initial emergency treatment of a client in status asthmaticus includes which medications?
1. Inhaled beta-adrenergic agents
2. Inhaled corticosteroids
3. IV. beta-adrenergic agents
4. Oral corticosteroids –
Correct Answer :*1. Inhaled beta-adrenergic agents*
Inhaled beta-adrenergic agents help promote bronchodilation, which improves oxygenation.
I.V. beta-adrenergic agents can be used but have to be monitored because of their greater
systemic effects
Which treatment goal is best for a client with status asthmaticus?
1.Avoiding intubation
2. Determining the cause of the attack
3. Improving exercise tolerance
4, Reducing secretions –
Correct Answer :1.Avoiding intubation
A client was given morphine for pain. He's sleeping and his respiratory rate is
4 breaths/minute. If action isn't taken quickly, he might have which reaction?
1.Asthma attack
, 4
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored
2. Respiratory arrest Exam
3. Seizure
4. Wake up on his own –
Correct Answer :*2. Respiratory arrest*
Opioids such as morphine can cause respiratory arrest ifgiven in large quantities.
Which additional assessment data should immediately be gathered to determine the status of
a client with a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute?
1. Arterial blood gas (ABG) and breath sounds
2. Level of consciousness and a pulse oximetry value
3. Breath sounds and reflexes
4. Pulse oximetry value and heart sounds –
Correct Answer :*2. Level of consciousness and a pulse oximetry value*
First, the nurse should attempt to rouse the client because this should increase the client's
respiratory rate. If available, a spot pulse oximetry check should be done and breath sounds
should be checked. The physician should be notified immediately of the findings.
A client is in danger of respiratory arrest following the administration of an opioid analgesic.
An arterial blood gas value is obtained. The nurse should expect the Paco, to be which value?
1. 15 mm Hg
2.30mm Hg
3.40mm Hg
4.80mm Hg –
Correct Answer :*4.80mm Hg*
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored
Exam
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored Exam
Test Bank 3 2026 – 350 Verified Questions
and Detailed Answers WITH DETAILED
RATIONALESLATEST EXAM (BRAND
NEW!!)
A client with emphysema should receive only 1 to 3 L/minute of oxygen, if needed, or he may
lose his hypoxic drive. Which statement is correct about hypoxic drive?
1. The client doesn't notice he needs to breathe.
2. The client breathes only when his oxygen levels climb above a certain point
3. The client breathes only when his oxygen levels dip below a certain point
4. The client breathes only when his carbon dioxide level dips below a certain point –
, 2
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored
Exam
Correct Answer :*3. The client breathes only when his oxygen levels dip below a certain
point*
Clients with emphysema breathe when their oxygen levels drop to a certain level; this is
known as the hypoxic drive. They don't take a breath when their levels of carbon dioxide are
higher than normal, as do those with healthy respiratory physiology.
Teaching for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should include which topic?
1. How to listen to his own lungs
2. How to change his oxygen therapy
3. How to treat respiratory infections without going to the physician
4, How to recognize the signs of an impending respiratory infection –
Correct Answer :*4, How to recognize the signs of an impending respiratory infection*
Respiratory infection in clients with a respiratory disorder can be fatal. It's important that the
client understands how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an impending respi- ratory
infection.
Which respiratory disorder is most common in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery?
1.Atelectasis
2. Bronchitis
3. Pneumonia
4. Pneumothorax –
Correct Answer :*1.Atelectasis*
Atelectasis develops when there's interference with the normal negative pressure that
promotes lung expansion.
Which measure can reduce or prevent the incidence of atelectasis in a postoperative client?
1. Chest physiotherapy
, 3
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored
2. Mechanical ventilation Exam
3. Reducing oxygen requirements
4. Use of an incentive spirometer –
Correct Answer :4. Use of an incentive spirometer
Initial emergency treatment of a client in status asthmaticus includes which medications?
1. Inhaled beta-adrenergic agents
2. Inhaled corticosteroids
3. IV. beta-adrenergic agents
4. Oral corticosteroids –
Correct Answer :*1. Inhaled beta-adrenergic agents*
Inhaled beta-adrenergic agents help promote bronchodilation, which improves oxygenation.
I.V. beta-adrenergic agents can be used but have to be monitored because of their greater
systemic effects
Which treatment goal is best for a client with status asthmaticus?
1.Avoiding intubation
2. Determining the cause of the attack
3. Improving exercise tolerance
4, Reducing secretions –
Correct Answer :1.Avoiding intubation
A client was given morphine for pain. He's sleeping and his respiratory rate is
4 breaths/minute. If action isn't taken quickly, he might have which reaction?
1.Asthma attack
, 4
ATI Med Surg Respiratory Proctored
2. Respiratory arrest Exam
3. Seizure
4. Wake up on his own –
Correct Answer :*2. Respiratory arrest*
Opioids such as morphine can cause respiratory arrest ifgiven in large quantities.
Which additional assessment data should immediately be gathered to determine the status of
a client with a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute?
1. Arterial blood gas (ABG) and breath sounds
2. Level of consciousness and a pulse oximetry value
3. Breath sounds and reflexes
4. Pulse oximetry value and heart sounds –
Correct Answer :*2. Level of consciousness and a pulse oximetry value*
First, the nurse should attempt to rouse the client because this should increase the client's
respiratory rate. If available, a spot pulse oximetry check should be done and breath sounds
should be checked. The physician should be notified immediately of the findings.
A client is in danger of respiratory arrest following the administration of an opioid analgesic.
An arterial blood gas value is obtained. The nurse should expect the Paco, to be which value?
1. 15 mm Hg
2.30mm Hg
3.40mm Hg
4.80mm Hg –
Correct Answer :*4.80mm Hg*
