Respitory Practice Test

Test Questions

Multiple Choice

1. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

1. A. Digestion

1. B. Gas exchange

1. C. Hormone regulation

1. D. Blood filtration

2. Which of the following is a factor that hinders ventilation?

2. A. Mucus

2. B. Bronchoconstriction

2. C. Airway obstruction

2. D. All of the above

3. What percentage of oxygen is bound to hemoglobin in the blood?

3. A. 50%

3. B. 75%

3. C. 98%

3. D. 100%

4. Which type of pleural effusion is characterized by protein-rich fluid?

4. A. Transudative

4. B. Exudative

4. C. Hemothorax

4. D. Chylothorax

5. What is a common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

5. A. Sepsis

5. B. Asthma

5. C. COPD

5. D. Obesity

Select All That Apply

6.                          Which of the following are symptoms of pneumothorax?

6. A. Severe distress

6. B. Absent breath sounds

6. C. Asymmetrical chest expansion

6. D. Cyanosis

7.                          Causes of restrictive lung diseases include:

7. A. Obesity

7. B. Neuromuscular diseases

7. C. Scoliosis

7. D. Asthma

8.                          Treatment options for asthma include:

8. A. β2-agonists

8. B. Corticosteroids

8. C. Supplemental O2

8. D. Antibiotics

9.                          Symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) include:

9. A. Dyspnea

9. B. Chest pain

9. C. Tachycardia

9. D. Hypoxia

10.                    Causes of cor pulmonale include:

10. A. COPD

10. B. Pulmonary hypertension

10. C. Asthma

10. D. Pneumonia

True or False

11.                    Ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the lungs.

11. True

11. False

12.                    Diffusion is the gas exchange between alveoli and pulmonary capillaries.

12. True

12. False

13.                    Elastin fibers in the lungs affect lung stretchability.

13. True

13. False

14.                    Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, aiding lung expansion.

14. True

14. False

15.                    Pleural effusion is the buildup of air in the pleural cavity.

15. True

15. False

16.                    Atelectasis is the collapse of lung/alveoli due to obstruction, compression, or surfactant loss.

16. True

16. False

17.                    Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an extrinsic restrictive lung disease.

17. True

17. False

18.                    Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be caused by sepsis.

18. True

18. False

19.                    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

19. True

19. False

20.                    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is primarily caused by obesity and airway obstruction.

20. True

20. False

21.                    Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be caused by a blood clot from deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

21. True

21. False

22.                    Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can result from chronic hypoxia.

22. True

22. False

23.                    Cor pulmonale is right-sided heart failure due to lung disease.

23. True

23. False

24.                    Spirometry in obstructive lung diseases shows a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio.

24. True

24. False

25.                    A high V/Q ratio indicates ventilation without perfusion.

25. True

25. False

26.                    Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low CO2 levels.

26. True

26. False

27.                    Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low HCO3 levels.

27. True

27. False

28.                    Metabolic alkalosis can be caused by vomiting.

28. True

28. False

29.                    Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is used to diagnose obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.

29. True

29. False

30.                    A low V/Q ratio indicates perfusion without ventilation.

30. True

30. False

Answer Key with Rationales

1. B. Gas exchange - The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

2. D. All of the above - Mucus, bronchoconstriction, and airway obstruction all hinder ventilation.

3. C. 98% - Approximately 98% of oxygen in the blood is bound to hemoglobin.

4. B. Exudative - Exudative pleural effusion is characterized by protein-rich fluid.

5. A. Sepsis - Sepsis is a common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

6. A, B, C, D - All listed symptoms are associated with pneumothorax.

7. A, B, C - Obesity, neuromuscular diseases, and scoliosis are causes of restrictive lung diseases.

8. A, B, C - β2-agonists, corticosteroids, and supplemental O2 are treatments for asthma.

9. A, B, C, D - Dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia, and hypoxia are symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE).

10. A, B - COPD and pulmonary hypertension are causes of cor pulmonale.

11. True - Ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the lungs.

12. True - Diffusion is the gas exchange between alveoli and pulmonary capillaries.

13. True - Elastin fibers affect lung stretchability.

14. True - Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, aiding lung expansion.

15. False - Pleural effusion is the buildup of fluid, not air, in the pleural cavity.

16. True - Atelectasis is the collapse of lung/alveoli due to obstruction, compression, or surfactant loss.

17. False - Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an intrinsic restrictive lung disease.

18. True - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be caused by sepsis.

19. True - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

20. True - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is primarily caused by obesity and airway obstruction.

21. True - Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be caused by a blood clot from deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

22. True - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can result from chronic hypoxia.

23. True - Cor pulmonale is right-sided heart failure due to lung disease.

24. True - Spirometry in obstructive lung diseases shows a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio.

25. True - A high V/Q ratio indicates ventilation without perfusion.

26. False - Respiratory acidosis is characterized by high CO2 levels.

27. True - Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low HCO3 levels.

28. True - Metabolic alkalosis can be caused by vomiting.

29. True - Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is used to diagnose obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.

30. True - A low V/Q ratio indicates perfusion without ventilation.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any further assistance.

Summary of Pathophysiology of the Respiratory System PowerPoint

Presented by: Roxanne Bennett, DNP, NP-C

Topics Covered: Normal respiratory functions, diseases, disorders, and diagnostic methods.

1. Overview of the Respiratory System

Primary Function: Oxygen exchange and carbon dioxide elimination.

Key Components: Mouth, nose, pharynx, lungs, alveoli, vasculature, red blood cells, and tissue cells.

Two Main Processes:

External ventilation: Air movement in and out of lungs.

Internal diffusion: Gas exchange between alveoli and blood.

Protective Mechanisms:

Mucociliary blanket traps harmful particles.

Cigarette smoking damages cilia, leading to chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

2. Pulmonary Ventilation and Gas Exchange

Inspiration (Inhalation): Chest cavity expands, pressure drops, air enters lungs.

Expiration (Exhalation): Elastic recoil of lung structures pushes air out.

Factors Affecting Ventilation:

Mucus, bronchoconstriction (COPD, Asthma).

Loss of muscle function (ALS).

Airway blockages (drug-induced bradypnea).

Diffusion Impairments: Poor gas exchange despite airflow.

Oxygen Transport in Blood

Oxygen:

98% bound to hemoglobin.

2% dissolved in plasma.

Carbon Dioxide:

60% as bicarbonate.

30% bound to hemoglobin.

10% dissolved in plasma.

3. Respiratory Disorders & Diseases

A. Lung Inflation Disorders

Pleural Effusion: Fluid buildup in the pleural cavity.

Types:

Transudative (watery, due to heart failure).

Exudative (protein-rich, due to infections/cancer).

Symptoms: Dyspnea, pleuritic pain, hypoxemia.

Pneumothorax: Air enters pleural space, causing lung collapse.

Types:

Spontaneous.

Traumatic (e.g., rib fractures).

Tension (life-threatening, shifts trachea).

Symptoms: Chest pain, cyanosis, tracheal deviation.

Atelectasis: Partial or complete lung collapse.

Causes: Airway obstruction, fluid buildup, loss of surfactant.

Symptoms: Poor lung expansion, dyspnea, crackles.

B. Restrictive Lung Disorders

Intrinsic (Within Lungs):

Interstitial lung disease (fibrosis, pneumonia).

Alveolar wall thickening and fibrosis.

Extrinsic (External Pressures):

Conditions restricting lung movement (e.g., obesity, scoliosis, neuromuscular diseases).

Examples:

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Progressive lung scarring.

Pneumonia: Lung infection; #2 cause of hospitalization in the U.S.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Causes: Sepsis, pneumonia, trauma, COVID-19.

Effects: Poor oxygenation, surfactant loss, lung stiffness, multi-organ failure.

C. Obstructive Airway Disorders

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Emphysema: Loss of lung elasticity, hyperinflation.

Chronic Bronchitis: Mucus overproduction, airway inflammation.

Causes: Smoking, α1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Symptoms: Chronic cough, wheezing, increased A/P chest diameter.

Asthma

Chronic airway inflammation, hypersensitivity.

Triggers: Allergens, pollution, exercise.

Treatment: Beta-2 agonists, corticosteroids.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Common in 7% of U.S. population.

Effects: Snoring, fatigue, cardiovascular issues.

D. Pulmonary Circulation Disorders

Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Blockage in pulmonary arteries.

Causes: Blood clots, air embolism, fat embolism.

Symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain, tachycardia, low oxygen levels.

Pulmonary Hypertension: High pressure in lung arteries.

Symptoms: SOB, dizziness, tachycardia.

Cor Pulmonale: Right-sided heart failure due to lung disease.

Causes: COPD, high altitude, cystic fibrosis.

Symptoms: Edema, jugular vein distension, liver congestion.

4. Respiratory Diagnostics & Testing

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) & Spirometry

Obstructive Disorders: Difficulty exhaling (Asthma, COPD).

Results: ↓FEV1, ↓FEV1/FVC, ↑Residual Volume.

Restrictive Disorders: Difficulty inhaling (Fibrosis, obesity).

Results: ↓FVC, normal or ↑FEV1/FVC, ↓Total Lung Capacity.

Case Studies on Spirometry

Mr. Stark (COPD): Chronic cough, wheezing, smoking history.

Mr. Butcher (Restrictive Lung Disease): Crackles in lungs, dyspnea.

Ms. Quinn (Pulmonary Embolism): Dyspnea, clear lung sounds, tachycardia.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis

Measures: pH, CO2, O2, bicarbonate levels.

Common Findings:

Respiratory Acidosis: High CO2 (e.g., COPD, hypoventilation).

Respiratory Alkalosis: Low CO2 (e.g., hyperventilation).

Hypoxia: Low O2 in tissues.

Hypercapnia: High CO2 in blood.

Types of Respiratory Failure

Type I (Hypoxemic): Low O2 (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS).

Type II (Hypercapnic): High CO2 (e.g., COPD, drug overdose).

Type III (Perioperative): Post-surgery complications.

Type IV (Shock-Related): Poor blood circulation.

Final Notes & Key Takeaways

The respiratory system plays a crucial role in gas exchange and oxygen delivery.

Disorders can be categorized into restrictive, obstructive, circulatory, and failure-related conditions.

Diagnostics like spirometry, PFTs, and ABGs help identify disease types.

Early recognition and intervention are critical in managing respiratory diseases.