Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the nasal conchae in the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area to enhance warming, moistening, and filtering of incoming air.

Question 2

A patient presents with a collapsed lung after a stab wound. Which pressure relationship has been disrupted, leading to atelectasis?

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure has equalized with atmospheric pressure.

Question 3

According to Boyle’s Law, what happens to the pressure of a gas if the volume of its container is doubled, assuming temperature is constant?

Accepted Answer

The pressure is halved. $$P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$$

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

$$VC = TV + IRV + ERV$$

Question 5

A patient with chronic bronchitis is likely to have which of the following changes in their pulmonary function test results?

Accepted Answer

Increased residual volume (RV) and total lung capacity (TLC)

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

It decreases the surface tension of alveolar fluid, preventing alveolar collapse.

Question 7

A person at high altitude experiences increased ventilation. Which physiological mechanism is primarily responsible for this response?

Accepted Answer

Decreased arterial $$P_{O_2$}$$ stimulates peripheral chemoreceptors.

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents the bicarbonate buffer system in blood?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

During exercise, why does arterial $$P_{CO_2$}$$ remain relatively constant despite increased production of $$CO_2$$?

Accepted Answer

Ventilation increases proportionally to $$CO_2$$ production, maintaining homeostasis.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the Haldane effect?

Accepted Answer

The lower the $$P_{O_2$}$$ and hemoglobin saturation, the more $$CO_2$$ can be carried in blood.

Question 11

A patient is experiencing an asthma attack. Which of the following best explains the physiological basis for the use of epinephrine as a treatment?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine dilates bronchioles, reducing airway resistance.

Question 12

Which of the following is a direct result of the Bohr effect in systemic capillaries?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$CO_2$$ and decreased pH enhance oxygen unloading from hemoglobin.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why a person with left-sided heart failure may develop pulmonary edema?

Accepted Answer

Increased pulmonary capillary pressure causes fluid to leak into alveoli, thickening the respiratory membrane.

Question 14

Which of the following is the primary reason why carbon monoxide poisoning is so dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, preventing oxygen transport.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation, increasing airflow.

Question 16

A patient with restrictive lung disease would most likely have which of the following spirometry findings?

Accepted Answer

Decreased vital capacity (VC) and total lung capacity (TLC)

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct equation for alveolar ventilation (AV)?

Accepted Answer

$$AV = (TV - dead\ space) 	imes frequency$$

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why rapid, shallow breathing (panting) is less effective for gas exchange than slow, deep breathing?

Accepted Answer

A greater proportion of each breath fills the dead space, reducing effective alveolar ventilation.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

It provides lubrication and surface tension to keep the lungs expanded against the thoracic wall.

Study Guide: The Respiratory System (Chapter 22, Human Anatomy & Physiology)

Study Guide - Practice Questions