Q: If a patient’s tidal volume ($$TV) is 500 mL $$and their respiratory rate is 12 breaths per minute, what is their minute ventilation ($$MV$$)?

$$MV = TV \times \text{respiratory rate} = 500 \text{ mL} \times 12 = 6000 \text{ mL/min}$$

Q: If a patient’s functional residual capacity ($$FRC) is 1800 mL$$, and their expiratory reserve volume ($$ERV) is 1000 mL$$, what is their residual volume ($$RV$$)?

$$RV = FRC - ERV = 1800 \text{ mL} - 1000 \text{ mL} = 800 \text{ mL}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between intrapleural pressure and atmospheric pressure during normal breathing?

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure is always less than atmospheric pressure.

Question 2

During inspiration, which of the following events occurs to allow air to flow into the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary pressure ($$P_{pul}) $$drops below atmospheric pressure ($$P_{atm}).$$

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

$$P 	imes V = k$$

Question 4

A patient with a punctured parietal pleura develops a pneumothorax. What is the most immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure equalizes with atmospheric pressure, leading to lung collapse.

Question 5

Which physical factor most directly opposes alveolar collapse and is produced by type II alveolar cells?

Accepted Answer

Surfactant

Question 6

If a patient’s tidal volume ($$TV) is 500 mL $$and their respiratory rate is 12 breaths per minute, what is their minute ventilation ($$MV$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$MV = TV 	imes 	ext{respiratory rate} = 500 	ext{ mL} 	imes 12 = 6000 	ext{ mL/min}$$

Question 7

Which of the following would most likely decrease airway resistance and improve airflow in the conducting zone?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of bronchioles due to sympathetic stimulation

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Deficiency of surfactant leading to increased alveolar surface tension

Question 9

Which combination of respiratory volumes makes up the vital capacity ($$VC) of $$the lungs?

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 10

During forced expiration, which muscles are primarily involved?

Accepted Answer

Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why lung compliance is reduced in pulmonary fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Loss of elastic fibers and increased stiffness of lung tissue

Question 12

If a patient’s functional residual capacity ($$FRC) is 1800 mL$$, and their expiratory reserve volume ($$ERV) is 1000 mL$$, what is their residual volume ($$RV$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$RV = FRC - ERV = 1800 	ext{ mL} - 1000 	ext{ mL} = 800 	ext{ mL}$$

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT considered a normal non-respiratory air movement?

Accepted Answer

Gas exchange in alveoli

Question 14

A patient with obstructive pulmonary disease is likely to have which of the following findings on spirometry?

Accepted Answer

Increased airway resistance and reduced forced expiratory volume (FEV1)

Question 15

Which of the following best describes alveolar dead space?

Accepted Answer

Volume of air in collapsed or obstructed alveoli that does not participate in gas exchange

Question 16

Which of the following changes would most effectively increase alveolar ventilation rate ($$AVR$$)?

Accepted Answer

Increasing tidal volume ($$TV) $$while keeping frequency constant

Question 17

Which pressure gradient is responsible for keeping the lungs inflated and preventing collapse?

Accepted Answer

Transpulmonary pressure ($$P_{pul} - P_{ip})$$

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely result in a decrease in lung compliance?

Accepted Answer

Loss of surfactant

Question 19

A patient forcibly exhales and expels 80% of their vital capacity in 1 second. What does this indicate about their respiratory function?

Accepted Answer

Normal airway resistance and healthy lung function

Mechanics of Breathing and Pulmonary Ventilation: The Respiratory System (Chapter 22)

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