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 of the nasal cavity, enhancing air filtration, warming, and humidification.

Question 2

A patient with a stab wound to the chest develops a pneumothorax. Which pressure relationship is disrupted, leading to lung collapse?

Accepted Answer

Intrapleural pressure becomes equal to 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 premature infant is diagnosed with infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). What is the primary physiological problem?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient surfactant production increases alveolar surface tension, causing alveolar collapse.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why pulmonary edema (fluid in the alveoli) impairs gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

It increases the thickness of the respiratory membrane, slowing diffusion of gases.

Question 7

During an acute asthma attack, which of the following occurs in the bronchioles?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoconstriction increases airway resistance, making ventilation difficult.

Question 8

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is likely to have which of the following spirometry findings?

Accepted Answer

Increased residual volume (RV) and total lung capacity (TLC) due to air trapping.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the Bohr effect?

Accepted Answer

A decrease in blood pH or an increase in $$P_{CO_2$}$$ reduces hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen, enhancing oxygen unloading in tissues.

Question 11

A person is exposed to high altitude. Which of the following is a long-term physiological adaptation to this environment?

Accepted Answer

Increased erythropoietin (EPO) production stimulates red blood cell synthesis.

Question 12

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which carbon monoxide poisoning causes hypoxia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the right main bronchus is more likely to receive an aspirated object than the left?

Accepted Answer

The right main bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the Haldane effect?

Accepted Answer

Deoxygenated hemoglobin binds more CO$$_2$$, enhancing CO$$_2$$ transport from tissues to lungs.

Question 15

A patient is hyperventilating due to anxiety. What is the most likely effect on blood pH and why?

Accepted Answer

Blood pH increases (alkalosis) because CO$$_2 is $$being exhaled faster than it is produced.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

It reduces friction between the pleural membranes during breathing.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Bronchodilation, increasing airflow to the alveoli.

Question 18

A patient with pulmonary fibrosis has decreased lung compliance. Which of the following best explains this finding?

Accepted Answer

Scar tissue replaces normal elastic tissue, making the lungs stiffer and harder to expand.

The Respiratory System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Aspects

Study Guide - Practice Questions