RCP 110 Anatomy and Physiology Exam I Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What primary function do the upper airways NOT perform?

Introduce pathogens into the lungs (correct)

Conductor of air

Prevent foreign objects from entering the tracheobronchial tree

Humidify inhaled air

Which condition could lead to nasal flaring?

Lung cancer

Asthma exacerbation (correct)

Pneumonia

Chronic bronchitis

Where might an endotracheal tube end up if improperly positioned?

In the pharynx

In the left lung

In the esophagus (correct)

In the right mainstem bronchus

What is the role of the epiglottis?

To prevent aspiration of food and liquids Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is NOT recommended for post-extubation laryngeal edema?

Surgical intervention Signup and view all the answers

Croup can be differentiated from epiglottitis based on which factor?

Croup is a viral infection affecting the trachea and larynx Signup and view all the answers

Which layer is NOT part of the tracheobronchial tree?

Smooth muscle layer Signup and view all the answers

In cases where the mucociliary transport mechanism is compromised, what reflex should patients avoid suppressing?

Cough reflex Signup and view all the answers

Which method is least likely to help mobilize and expectorate bronchial secretions?

Complete bed rest Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the carina in the respiratory system?

It separates the two bronchi. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does stimulation of beta 2 receptors in the lungs induce?

Bronchodilation Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity?

Pleural effusion Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as the process that moves gases between the external environment and the alveoli?

Ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Which muscles are primarily engaged during expiration?

Abdominal muscles and internal intercostals Signup and view all the answers

What is the barometric pressure at sea level, measured in mm HG?

760 mm HG Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs during inspiration?

Pressure decreases and the diaphragm moves down Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between pulmonary and systemic circulation concerning gas exchange?

Pulmonary circulation brings oxygen to the lungs and removes CO2, while systemic circulation delivers oxygen to the body and collects CO2. Signup and view all the answers

What defines elastance in the context of lung function?

The ability of the lungs to return to original shape after stretching. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vital sign changes is NOT associated with tension pneumothorax?

High blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type in the alveoli cannot reproduce?

Type 1 pneumocyte Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of surfactant produced by type 2 alveolar cells?

Reduce surface tension Signup and view all the answers

How do high elastance and low compliance compare in the functionality of the lungs?

They signify stiff and hard-to-stretch lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does dehydration have on cilia function?

Reduces cilia function Signup and view all the answers

At what level of the tracheobronchial tree are cilia absent?

Terminal bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by a deficiency of surfactant?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes static compliance from dynamic compliance in lung measurement?

Static compliance pertains to non-moving lungs, while dynamic compliance measures moving lungs. Signup and view all the answers

Which airway structure is not considered cartilaginous?

Terminal bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

What does LaPlace's law describe concerning the relationship between surface tension and alveolar size?

Surface tension is proportional to the radius of the alveoli Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would create a pleural friction rub?

Inflammation causing friction between pleural layers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can result in jugular vein distension?

Right atrial pressure increase Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of Type 2 pneumocytes within the alveoli?

Produce pulmonary surfactant Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at the end of expiration regarding diaphragm movement?

Pressure remains constant and diaphragm's upward movement stops Signup and view all the answers

What effect does positive pressure ventilation have on cilia?

It can damage cilia Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the mucous blanket is closer to the lumenal surface?

Gel layer Signup and view all the answers

Anxiety and confusion in a patient are likely results of which condition related to breathing?

Tension pneumothorax Signup and view all the answers

How many segmental bronchi are found in the left lung?

8 Signup and view all the answers

What happens when mast cells in the lamina propria are activated?

They alter the diameter of the bronchial airway Signup and view all the answers

Where should the tip of an endotracheal tube be positioned relative to the carina?

2-5 cm above carina Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Upper Airways

Key components include the nose, oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx.
Functions: important for speech and smell, humidify and warm/cool inhaled air, act as air conductors, and prevent foreign particles from entering the tracheobronchial tree.
Nasal flaring indicates respiratory distress; can occur due to conditions like asthma or pneumonia.
Misplaced endotracheal tube can enter the esophagus instead of the trachea during intubation.
The epiglottis is the laryngeal cartilage that prevents aspiration of food and liquid.
The larynx connects the pharynx and trachea, prevents aspiration, and generates sound for speech.
Post-extubation laryngeal edema is treated with aerosolized racemic epinephrine and high humidification, along with voice rest and cough medications.
Croup is a viral infection causing tracheal and laryngeal inflammation, while epiglottitis is a bacterial infection leading to epiglottis swelling and airway obstruction.

Lower Airways

Cough reflex should not be suppressed when mucociliary transport is compromised as it's crucial for secretion mobilization.
Respiratory therapy modalities for bronchial secretions include chest physiotherapy, flutter devices, cough breathing exercises, and suctioning.
Tracheobronchial tree comprises three layers: epithelial, lamina propria, and cartilaginous layer.
The lamina propria contains mast cells that trigger bronchial airway changes when activated.
The mucous blanket consists of 95% water; primary components include glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and cellular debris arranged in a gel layer and a sol layer.
Cilia are absent in terminal bronchioles (between 16th to 19th generations).
Factors affecting mucociliary transport: cigarette smoke, dehydration, positive pressure ventilation, endotracheal suctioning, and high FiO2 levels.
Conducting zone is another name for cartilaginous airways.
Right lung contains 10 segmental bronchi, and the left lung has 8.
Non-cartilaginous airways include bronchioles and terminal bronchioles.
Bronchial arteries supply oxygenated blood to the lungs, tracheobronchial tree, lymph nodes, nerves, portions of the esophagus, and pleura.
Alveolar cells: Type 1 pneumocytes (95% of surface, non-reproducible), Type 2 pneumocytes (5% of surface, produce surfactant, able to reproduce), Type 3 macrophages (clean up bacteria and pathogens).
Endotracheal tube should be positioned 2-5 cm above the carina.
The carina is the area between the two bronchi at the lower trachea.

Lymphatic, Vascular, and Pleural Considerations

Beta-2 receptor stimulation in lungs causes bronchodilation by relaxing airway muscles.
Abnormal pleural conditions: Pleurisy (inflammation), pleural effusion (fluid accumulation), empyema (infected fluid), and pleural friction rub (sounds from pleural layers rubbing).
Accessory muscles of inspiration: scalene, sternocleidomastoid, external intercostals, trapezius.
Accessory muscles of expiration: abdominal muscles, internal intercostals.
Pulmonary circulation: blood picks up oxygen in lungs and returns to heart; systemic circulation delivers oxygen to body while collecting CO2.
Elastance refers to the lungs' ability to return to original shape; high elastance equals low compliance (stiff lungs), while low elastance equals high compliance (easily stretchable lungs).
Static compliance measures unstretched lungs, while dynamic compliance measures stretched lungs.
Ventilation moves gases between the environment and alveoli; barometric pressure at sea level is 760 mm Hg.
Tension pneumothorax leads to vital sign changes such as increased heart rate, tachypnea, hypotension, hypoxia, tracheal deviation, and jugular vein distension.
Surface tension causes liquid molecules to attract each other; surfactant produced by type 2 cells reduces this surface tension in alveoli.
Surfactant deficiency conditions include RDS, ARDS, pneumonia, pulmonary lavage, and pulmonary embolism.
LaPlace's law relates surface tension to alveoli radius and distending pressure, influencing lung mechanics.

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Description

This study guide focuses on the anatomy and functions of the upper airways, including the components such as the nose, oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx. It also covers clinical conditions like nasal flaring associated with respiratory distress. Prepare effectively for your RCP 110 exam with this comprehensive overview.