Q: If a person’s tidal volume is 500 mL, inspiratory reserve volume is 3000 mL, expiratory reserve volume is 1200 mL, and residual volume is 1200 mL, what is their vital capacity?

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV = 500 + 3000 + 1200 = 4700\ \text{mL}$$

Question 1

Which structure in the respiratory system is the primary site of gas exchange between air and blood?

Accepted Answer

Alveoli

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases, causing air to flow in

Question 3

A patient has a forced expiratory volume (FEV1) of 60% of their forced vital capacity (FVC). What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive airway disease

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of surfactant produced by Type II alveolar cells?

Accepted Answer

Reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse

Question 5

If the partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂) in the alveoli is 104 mmHg and in the pulmonary capillaries is 40 mmHg, in which direction will oxygen diffuse?

Accepted Answer

From alveoli to capillaries

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

$$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$$

Question 7

A climber at high altitude experiences a decrease in atmospheric pressure. What happens to the partial pressure of oxygen in their alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It decreases

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ions in plasma

Question 9

A rightward shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is caused by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Increased 2,3-BPG

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the Bohr effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased CO₂ or H⁺ decreases hemoglobin’s affinity for O₂

Question 11

Which respiratory volume is defined as the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal tidal expiration?

Accepted Answer

Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)

Question 12

A patient is hyperventilating due to anxiety. What acid-base disturbance are they at risk for developing?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory alkalosis

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Warming, moistening, and filtering incoming air

Question 14

Which pressure is always lower than intrapulmonary pressure and is essential to prevent lung collapse?

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the Haldane effect?

Accepted Answer

Deoxygenated hemoglobin binds CO₂ more readily

Question 16

If a person’s tidal volume is 500 mL, inspiratory reserve volume is 3000 mL, expiratory reserve volume is 1200 mL, and residual volume is 1200 mL, what is their vital capacity?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV = 500 + 3000 + 1200 = 4700\ 	ext{mL}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is the main force that drives air into the lungs during inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Negative pressure created by increased thoracic volume

Question 18

Which structure prevents food from entering the lower respiratory tract during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottis

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why a person with pneumonia may have impaired gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Thickened respiratory membrane increases diffusion distance

Question 20

Which of the following is true regarding the movement of gases according to Dalton’s Law?

Accepted Answer

Each gas in a mixture moves independently according to its own partial pressure

Comprehensive Study Notes: Respiratory, Urinary, and Fluid/Electrolyte Systems

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