Question 1

Which of the following best describes the four processes of respiration necessary for supplying the body with oxygen and removing carbon dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary ventilation, external respiration, transport of respiratory gases, internal respiration

Question 2

A patient with a punctured thoracic wall has air entering the pleural cavity, causing the lung to collapse. Which pressure relationship has been disrupted?

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure ($$P_{ip}) is no $$longer negative relative to intrapulmonary pressure ($$P_{pul})$$

Question 3

According to Boyle’s Law, what happens to the pressure of a gas if the volume of its container is doubled, assuming temperature is constant?

Accepted Answer

The pressure is halved: $$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$$

Question 4

Which structure is responsible for producing surfactant to reduce alveolar surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse?

Accepted Answer

Type II alveolar cells

Question 5

A patient with severe asthma experiences bronchoconstriction. Which of the following best explains the effect on airflow?

Accepted Answer

Airway resistance increases, so airflow decreases: $$F = \frac{\Delta P}{R}$$

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the nasal conchae in the nasal cavity?

Accepted Answer

Increase mucosal surface area and enhance air turbulence to filter air

Question 7

A patient with emphysema has destruction of alveolar walls. Which of the following is a direct consequence?

Accepted Answer

Decreased surface area for gas exchange

Question 8

Which law explains why the total pressure of a gas mixture is the sum of the pressures exerted independently by each gas in the mixture?

Accepted Answer

Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures: $$P_{total} = P_1$ + P_2$ + P_3$ + \ldots$$

Question 9

During exercise, which of the following best describes the change in alveolar ventilation ($$A_V) $$compared to rest?

Accepted Answer

It increases primarily due to increased tidal volume ($$TV)$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the Bohr effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$CO_2$$ and $$H^+ in $$tissues decrease hemoglobin’s affinity for $$O_2$$, enhancing oxygen unloading

Question 11

A patient is hyperventilating. What is the expected effect on blood pH and why?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases (alkalosis) because $$CO_2 is $$rapidly removed, reducing $$H^+$$

Question 12

Which of the following is the main site of gas exchange in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Alveoli

Question 13

A patient with chronic bronchitis has excessive mucus production and inflammation in the lower respiratory tract. What is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Impaired ventilation and increased risk of pulmonary infection

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the Haldane effect?

Accepted Answer

Deoxygenated hemoglobin can carry more $$CO_2 as $$carbaminohemoglobin

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the control of breathing by the medullary respiratory centers?

Accepted Answer

The ventral respiratory group (VRG) sets the basic rhythm of breathing

Question 16

A patient with restrictive lung disease would be expected to have which of the following changes in pulmonary function test values?

Accepted Answer

Decreased vital capacity (VC), total lung capacity (TLC), and residual volume (RV)

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why oxygen diffuses rapidly from alveoli into pulmonary capillaries?

Accepted Answer

There is a steep partial pressure gradient for $$O_2$$ from alveoli ($$104 mm Hg) to $$venous blood ($$40 mm Hg)$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the pleural fluid?

Accepted Answer

Provides lubrication and surface tension to keep the lungs attached to the thoracic wall

Question 19

A patient with a blocked pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube may experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty equalizing middle ear pressure with atmospheric pressure

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased $$CO_2$$ levels on the central chemoreceptors and respiratory rate?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$CO_2$$ stimulates central chemoreceptors, increasing respiratory rate and depth

Chapter 22: The Respiratory System – Structure, Function, and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards