Question 1

Which of the following best describes Boyle’s Law as it applies to pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

At a constant temperature, the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely related: $$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2.$$

Question 2

A patient presents with a collapsed lung after a stab wound. Which pressure change is most responsible for this collapse?

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure rises to equal or exceed atmospheric pressure.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating total lung capacity (TLC)?

Accepted Answer

$$TLC = IRV + TV + ERV + RV$$

Question 4

A patient’s spirogram shows a reduced vital capacity but a normal ratio of FEV1/FVC. Which type of lung disease is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Restrictive lung disease (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis)

Question 5

Which of the following factors would increase airway resistance and decrease airflow?

Accepted Answer

Constriction of smooth muscle in the bronchioles

Question 6

According to Henry’s Law, what determines the amount of a gas that will dissolve in a liquid?

Accepted Answer

The partial pressure of the gas and its solubility in the liquid

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why surfactant is critical for normal lung function?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the surface tension in alveoli, allowing them to remain inflated.

Question 8

During exercise, active muscle tissue has a lower partial pressure of oxygen ($$PO_2) $$than resting tissue. How does this affect oxygen unloading from hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

More oxygen is unloaded because hemoglobin releases oxygen more readily at low $$PO_2.$$

Question 9

Which equation represents the bicarbonate buffer system in the blood?

Accepted Answer

$$CO_2 + H_2O$$ \rightleftharpoons H_2CO_3 \rightleftharpoons H^+ + $$HCO_3$$^-$$

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases due to excessive loss of $$CO_2 ($$alkalosis).

Question 11

Which of the following is the primary way that oxygen is transported in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Bound to hemoglobin within red blood cells

Question 12

Which of the following changes would most likely shift the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve to the right, promoting oxygen unloading?

Accepted Answer

Increased temperature and increased $$PCO_2$$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between the conducting zone and the respiratory zone of the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

The conducting zone moves, filters, warms, and moistens air; the respiratory zone is where gas exchange occurs.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Airway resistance increases, making it harder to move air in and out of the lungs.

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the respiratory system that is NOT directly related to gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Production of angiotensin-II for blood pressure regulation

Question 16

If a patient’s blood pH is 7.2 and their $$PCO_2 is $$elevated, what is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Hypoventilation leading to respiratory acidosis

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the movement of gases during pulmonary gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood; carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 19

Which of the following is the main way carbon dioxide is transported in the blood?

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ions ($$HCO_3$$^-$$)

Question 20

Which of the following would most likely decrease pulmonary compliance?

Accepted Answer

Increased alveolar surface tension due to lack of surfactant

Chapter 21: The Respiratory System – Structure, Function, and Gas Exchange

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