A client presents to the emergency room with difficulty breathing. The nurse understands which of the following is a stimulus for breathing?
Buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood
pH levels in the cerebrospinal fluid
Buildup of oxygen levels in the blood
Rising blood pressure
The Correct Answer is A
A. Buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood: Rising arterial CO₂ (hypercapnia) is the primary stimulus for increased ventilation -central chemoreceptors detect CO₂-induced changes and drive respiratory rate/ depth.
B. pH levels in the cerebrospinal fluid: Central chemoreceptors in the medulla respond to lowered CSF pH (which reflects increased CO₂) and stimulate breathing -true and closely linked to CO₂ levels (mechanism of the primary drive).
C. Buildup of oxygen levels in the blood: Increased O₂ is not a stimulus for breathing; in fact, high oxygen reduces the hypoxic drive. Low O₂ (hypoxemia), not a buildup, can stimulate ventilation via peripheral chemoreceptors.
D. Rising blood pressure: Changes in blood pressure are sensed by baroreceptors and influence cardiovascular responses, but rising blood pressure is not a direct major stimulus for ventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Apnea:Apnea is the temporary cessation (absence) of breathing.
B. Dyspnea: Dyspnea means difficult or labored breathing (shortness of breath), not cessation.
C. Hyperpnea: Hyperpnea refers to increased depth and/or rate of breathing (e.g., during exercise), not a pause.
D. Eupnea: Eupnea is normal, unlabored breathing; the opposite of cessation
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Eupnea:Eupnea means normal, unlabored breathing (normal respiratory rate and depth) -not difficult breathing.
B. Dyspnea: Dyspnea describes difficult or labored breathing (shortness of breath).
C. Hyperpnea: Hyperpnea means increased depth and/or rate of breathing (e.g., during exercise), not necessarily “difficult” or labored breathing.
D. Apnea: Apnea means a temporary absence of breathing (no breathing), the opposite of labored breathing.
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