NCM 112: Respiratory System Review

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of type II alveolar cells?

To transport oxygen through the alveolar walls

To increase the number of alveoli available for gas exchange

To protect against foreign particles and pathogens

To secrete surfactant and reduce surface tension (correct)

Which statement correctly describes the role of the respiratory bronchioles?

They add significant volume to the lungs during tidal breathing.

They serve as the primary site for surfactant secretion.

They contain dead space where no gas exchange occurs. (correct)

They are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

What is the definition of tidal volume in lung volumes?

The total volume of air in the lungs after a maximum inhalation

The maximum volume of air that can be forced out after a normal breath

The volume of air exchanged during normal breathing (correct)

The maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal exhalation

What is the main purpose of the alveolar macrophages?

To ingest and eliminate foreign matter and pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which component is involved in reducing the risk of alveolar collapse?

Surfactant secreted by type II cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the upper respiratory tract?

Warm and filter inspired air Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the left lung from the right lung?

The left lung is slightly smaller than the right lung Signup and view all the answers

How many times does a person breathe on average in a day?

Which structure is NOT part of the upper respiratory tract?

Lungs Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pleura serve in the respiratory system?

Reduces friction during breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about bronchi is correct?

The right lung has three lobar bronchi Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the thorax contains the heart and major blood vessels?

Mediastinum Signup and view all the answers

During expiration, what waste gas is expelled from the body?

Carbon Dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What do peripheral chemoreceptors primarily respond to first?

Changes in PaO2 Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom describes difficulty or labored breathing?

Dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the cough reflex?

To protect the lungs from irritants Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sputum is typically associated with a bacterial infection?

Profuse purulent sputum Signup and view all the answers

What condition is indicated by a high-pitched sound heard during breathing?

Stridor Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is likely to lead to tachypnea?

Anxiety or panic Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible indication of chronic bronchitis in terms of sputum production?

Gradual increase of sputum over time Signup and view all the answers

What does clubbing of fingers typically indicate in a patient?

Chronic respiratory or cardiac disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal exhalation called?

Expiratory reserve volume Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal expiration called?

Inspiratory capacity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lung capacities remains in the lungs after a maximum exhalation?

Residual volume Signup and view all the answers

What is the volume of air in the lungs after the maximum inspiration known as?

Total lung capacity Signup and view all the answers

The central chemoreceptors respond to changes in which of the following?

Cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for controlling the rhythm of breathing?

Medulla oblongata Signup and view all the answers

What is the volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath called?

Tidal volume Signup and view all the answers

What does the term vital capacity refer to?

Maximum volume of air exhaled after maximum inspiration Signup and view all the answers

Which type of breath sound is described as continuous, musical, and high-pitched?

Sibilant wheezes Signup and view all the answers

What are the two categories of adventitious breath sounds?

Crackles and wheezes Signup and view all the answers

Which breath sound is characterized by low-pitched rumbling sounds primarily heard during expiration?

Sonorous wheezes Signup and view all the answers

What is the sound of pleural friction rub most similar to?

Two pieces of leather being rubbed together Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes vocal resonance that is louder and clearer than normal?

Bronchophony Signup and view all the answers

What type of crackles are heard in early inspiration and originate in the large bronchi?

Coarse crackles Signup and view all the answers

Normal breath sounds include which of the following?

Bronchovesicular sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which abnormal breath sound is associated specifically with bronchospasm and asthma?

Sibilant wheezes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Respiratory System

Newborns have pink lungs that darken with exposure to pollution.
Average breathing rate ranges from 14 to 20 times per minute, resulting in approximately 20,000 breaths per day.
Loss of about half a liter of water per day through respiration is normal.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory Tract

The respiratory system consists of the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
Function includes ventilation, which is the movement of air in and out of the airways.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Comprises the nose, sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, tonsils, adenoids, larynx, and trachea.
Warms and filters air entering the lungs.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Comprises the lungs and their bronchial and alveolar structures.
Lungs are elastic structures located in the thoracic cavity; consist of three lobes on the right and two on the left.

Pleura and Mediastinum

The pleura consists of visceral pleura covering the lungs and parietal pleura lining the thoracic cavity, preventing friction.
The mediastinum contains the heart, thymus, major blood vessels, and esophagus.

Bronchi and Bronchioles

Bronchi branch into lobar bronchi, segmental bronchi, and ultimately smaller bronchioles.
Alveoli, tiny air sacs, are sites for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Alveolar Cells

Type I alveolar cells form the walls; Type II produce surfactant to prevent collapse; Type III macrophages act as defenders against pathogens.

Physiology of the Respiratory System

Essential for oxygen transport, respiration, ventilation, and gas exchange.

Lung Volumes and Capacities

Lung volumes include tidal volume (VT), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and residual volume (RV).
Lung capacities include vital capacity (VC), functional residual capacity (FRC), inspiratory capacity (IC), and total lung capacity (TLC).

Gas Exchange

Involves the partial pressures of gases, indicating the concentration of each gas in a mixture.

Neurologic Control of Ventilation

Breathing is regulated by the medulla oblongata and pons; involves central and peripheral chemoreceptors responding to blood changes.
The Hering–Breuer Reflex prevents lung overinflation.

Assessment of Patients with Lung Problems

Common symptoms: dyspnea, cough, sputum production, chest pain, wheezing, hemoptysis, cyanosis, and clubbing of fingers.

Dyspnea

Subjective experience of difficulty breathing; can be due to decreased lung compliance or increased airway resistance.

Coughing and Sputum Production

Coughing is a protective mechanism for clearing irritants or secretions from the lungs.
Sputum characteristics vary based on the underlying condition, from color to consistency (e.g., purulent in bacterial infections).

Chest Pain

Can be sharp or dull; associated with various pulmonary conditions.

Thoracic Auscultation

Involves assessing breath sounds to evaluate airflow and detect obstructions.
Normal breath sounds include vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.

Adventitious Breath Sounds

Crackles: Discontinuous sounds indicating fluid in alveoli.
Wheezes: Continuous sounds due to narrowed airways; can be sibilant (high-pitched) or sonorous (low-pitched).
Friction rubs: Harsh sounds due to pleural inflammation.

Voice Sounds Assessment

Vocal resonance changes during speech provide diagnostic clues; bronchophony indicates abnormal clarity.

These notes emphasize the essential aspects of the anatomy, physiology, assessment, and pathologies related to the respiratory system, crucial for understanding and managing oxygenation problems.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the care of clients experiencing oxygenation problems, both acute and chronic. It includes a review of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, emphasizing the importance of healthy lungs and the effects of environmental factors on respiration. Test your knowledge on the intricate workings of this vital system.