Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of surfactant in the alveoli?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the surface tension of the fluid lining the alveoli, preventing collapse.

Question 2

A patient with pneumonia is experiencing impaired gas exchange. Which factor is most likely contributing to this impairment?

Accepted Answer

Decreased surface area for diffusion due to alveolar consolidation.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in a rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?

Accepted Answer

A patient with fever and acidosis.

Question 4

A nurse is caring for a patient with COPD who is experiencing air trapping. What is the primary physiological cause of air trapping in this condition?

Accepted Answer

Premature closure of airways during exhalation.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why a patient with anemia may have a normal SpO2 reading but still experience tissue hypoxia?

Accepted Answer

SpO2 measures the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen, not the total amount of hemoglobin available.

Question 6

A patient is placed in the prone position to improve oxygenation. What is the primary physiological benefit of this intervention in ARDS?

Accepted Answer

It increases perfusion to the anterior lung fields, which are less affected by disease.

Question 7

Which of the following is a common cause of decreased lung compliance?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary fibrosis

Question 8

A patient with a pulmonary embolism is most likely to experience which of the following ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatches?

Accepted Answer

High V/Q ratio due to decreased perfusion.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of beta-2 agonists like Salbutamol (Ventolin) in the treatment of asthma?

Accepted Answer

They stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors, causing bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation.

Question 10

A patient with a restrictive lung disorder is most likely to have which of the following pulmonary function test results?

Accepted Answer

Decreased total lung capacity (TLC)

Question 11

Which of the following is the best initial nursing intervention for a patient showing signs of an obstructed airway?

Accepted Answer

Encourage coughing to clear the obstruction.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about capnography is correct?

Accepted Answer

It provides continuous, non-invasive monitoring of exhaled CO2.

Question 13

A patient with a left-sided pneumonia is experiencing hypoxemia. According to the 'good lung down' principle, how should the nurse position the patient to optimize oxygenation?

Accepted Answer

Place the patient in a right lateral decubitus position (right side down).

Question 14

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of BiPAP (Biphasic Positive Airway Pressure)?

Accepted Answer

Active vomiting or bowel obstruction

Question 15

A patient with ARDS is being evaluated for ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). What is the primary purpose of ECMO in this context?

Accepted Answer

To provide external oxygenation and CO2 removal when the lungs are unable to perform gas exchange.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased thickness of the alveolar-capillary (A-C) membrane on pulmonary diffusion?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the rate of oxygen transfer across the membrane.

Question 17

A patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) suddenly develops shortness of breath and chest pain. Which diagnostic test is most appropriate to confirm a suspected pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

CT Pulmonary Angiogram

Question 18

Which of the following is a common adverse effect of systemic corticosteroid therapy in respiratory disease management?

Accepted Answer

Delayed wound healing

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why older adults are more prone to hypoxemia and hypercapnia?

Accepted Answer

Decreased total lung surface area and thickened alveolar-capillary membrane

Respiratory System: Pulmonary Function, Gas Exchange, and Clinical Assessment

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