Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To intake oxygen and expel carbon dioxide

Question 2

A patient is intubated with a tracheal tube. Which function of the upper respiratory tract is most compromised?

Accepted Answer

Humidification of inspired air

Question 3

Which structure is the first to branch off the trachea and is more likely to receive aspirated objects?

Accepted Answer

Right primary bronchus

Question 4

Which of the following is a function of Type II alveolar cells?

Accepted Answer

Produce surfactant to reduce surface tension

Question 5

A patient with chronic bronchitis has increased airway resistance. Which spirometry finding is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Decreased FEV1

Question 6

According to Boyle’s Law, what happens to the pressure in the lungs when the thoracic cavity volume increases during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases

Question 7

Which equation correctly represents Boyle’s Law as it applies to pulmonary ventilation?

Accepted Answer

$$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$$

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why the intrapleural pressure is negative relative to atmospheric pressure?

Accepted Answer

The elasticity of the thoracic wall is greater than the elasticity of the lungs

Question 9

A shift to the right in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is most likely to occur under which condition?

Accepted Answer

Increased CO2 concentration

Question 10

Which of the following is the most powerful stimulus for increasing the rate and depth of breathing?

Accepted Answer

High carbon dioxide concentration in the blood

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the movement of gases during external respiration?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the mucociliary escalator?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating gas exchange

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why a patient with a pneumothorax experiences lung collapse?

Accepted Answer

The intrapleural pressure becomes equal to atmospheric pressure

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the passage of air from the nasal cavity to the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

Nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli

Question 15

Which of the following volumes remains in the lungs after a maximal forced expiration?

Accepted Answer

Residual volume

Question 16

A patient is exposed to asbestos and develops restrictive lung disease. Which of the following changes would you expect in their spirometry results?

Accepted Answer

Decreased residual volume (RV)

Question 17

Which law explains why increasing the partial pressure of oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in plasma?

Accepted Answer

Henry’s Law

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a component of the respiratory membrane?

Accepted Answer

Goblet cells

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of a leftward shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin binds oxygen more tightly and releases less to tissues

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ions in plasma

Chapter 22: The Respiratory System – ANP College Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions