Q: A patient has a tidal volume (TV) of 500 mL, a respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min, and a dead space volume of 150 mL. What is the patient’s alveolar ventilation rate (AVR)?

$$AVR = 12 \times (500 - 150) = 4,200 mL/$$min

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

To supply oxygen for cellular respiration and remove carbon dioxide

Question 2

Which structure is NOT part of the conducting zone of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar sac

Question 3

A patient presents with a sinus headache due to blocked passageways connecting the sinuses to the nasal cavity. What is the physiological consequence of this blockage?

Accepted Answer

Air is absorbed, creating a partial vacuum in the sinus

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the oropharynx and laryngopharynx are lined with stratified squamous epithelium?

Accepted Answer

To protect against abrasion from food passage

Question 5

During swallowing, which structure prevents food from entering the lower respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 6

Which of the following statements about the respiratory membrane is correct?

Accepted Answer

It consists of alveolar and capillary walls with fused basement membranes, allowing rapid diffusion

Question 7

A patient with pneumonia has thickened respiratory membranes. What is the most likely effect on gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Decreased rate of gas exchange due to increased diffusion distance

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents transpulmonary pressure?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{tp} = P_{alv} - P_{ip}$$

Question 9

If atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg and intrapleural pressure is 756 mm Hg, what is the value of the intrapleural pressure relative to atmospheric pressure?

Accepted Answer

$$-4 mm Hg$$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the surface tension of water, making it easier to expand the lungs

Question 11

A premature infant is diagnosed with infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). What is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient production of surfactant, leading to increased alveolar surface tension

Question 12

Which of the following changes would most likely increase airway resistance and decrease airflow during an asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the right main bronchus is more likely to receive an aspirated object than the left?

Accepted Answer

It is wider, shorter, and more vertical

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct calculation for vital capacity (VC)?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 15

A patient has a tidal volume (TV) of 500 mL, a respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min, and a dead space volume of 150 mL. What is the patient’s alveolar ventilation rate (AVR)?

Accepted Answer

$$AVR = 12 	imes (500 - 150) = 4,200 mL/$$min

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of alveolar pores?

Accepted Answer

They connect adjacent alveoli, equalizing air pressure and providing alternate routes for airflow

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It fills the pleural cavity, allowing lungs to slide easily during breathing and preventing separation of pleurae

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the blood supply to the lungs is correct?

Accepted Answer

Bronchial arteries provide systemic blood to the lung tissue

Question 19

A patient with pleurisy is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation of the pleural membranes causing pain during breathing

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why each lung is housed in a separate pleural cavity?

Accepted Answer

To prevent both lungs from collapsing if one pleural cavity is compromised

Anatomy & Physiology I: The Respiratory System – Structure and Function

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