Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the conducting airways in the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

They move air between the atmosphere and the lungs but do not participate in gas exchange.

Question 2

Which equation correctly represents lung compliance?

Accepted Answer

$C = \Delta V / \Delta P$

Question 3

A patient with asthma is experiencing difficulty breathing due to constricted airways. Which property is most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Airway resistance

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the structure of the lungs?

Accepted Answer

The right lung has three lobes, and the left lung has two lobes.

Question 5

Type II alveolar cells are essential for which of the following functions?

Accepted Answer

Producing surfactant to decrease surface tension in the alveoli.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about respiratory pressures is correct?

Accepted Answer

Inhalation occurs when lung pressure drops below atmospheric pressure.

Question 7

A patient with pulmonary fibrosis has a thickened alveolar-capillary membrane. What is the most likely effect on gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion of gases will be slowed, reducing oxygenation of blood.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the larynx in the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

It connects the oropharynx with the trachea and helps produce speech.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct definition of tidal volume (TV)?

Accepted Answer

The amount of air that moves into and out of the lungs during one breath.

Question 10

Which of the following forms is the majority of oxygen transported in arterial blood?

Accepted Answer

Bound to hemoglobin as oxyhemoglobin

Question 11

A patient with pneumonia has areas of the lung that are perfused but not ventilated. What is this phenomenon called?

Accepted Answer

Physiologic shunt

Question 12

Which of the following factors would most likely increase the rate of gas diffusion across the alveolar-capillary membrane?

Accepted Answer

Higher solubility of the gas

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding airway resistance?

Accepted Answer

It is directly related to the pressure difference between the lungs and the atmosphere.

Question 14

Which of the following correctly describes the function of the phrenic nerve?

Accepted Answer

It activates the diaphragm, the main breathing muscle.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

$VC = IRV + TV + ERV$

Question 16

A patient with emphysema has reduced alveolar surface area. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Decreased efficiency of gas exchange

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of the bronchial circulation?

Accepted Answer

Supplies the lungs and other lung structures with oxygenated blood

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE about dead space in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

It refers to air that does not participate in gas exchange.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

As bicarbonate ($HCO_3^-$) in plasma

Question 20

A patient is experiencing Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Which of the following best describes this breathing pattern?

Accepted Answer

Alternating periods of rapid, shallow breathing and pauses in breathing (apnea)

29 Patho

Study Guide - Practice Questions