Respiration and Oxygenation

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Questions and Answers

During inspiration, what physiological change directly leads to air entering the lungs?

An increase in thoracic cavity volume, leading to a decrease in intrapulmonary pressure. (correct)
Relaxation of the diaphragm, which passively draws air into the lungs.
Contraction of the intercostal muscles, decreasing thoracic cavity volume.
The diaphragm descending, which increases intrapulmonary pressure.

What is the primary role of chemoreceptors in the regulation of respiration?

Regulating the mucociliary clearance mechanism in the respiratory tract.
Sensing changes in blood concentrations of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen ions. (correct)
Controlling the respiratory rate based on signals from the cerebral cortex.
Increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin in response to hypoxia.

Which of the following best describes the process of diffusion in the context of oxygenation?

The body's reflex to constrict bronchioles upon encountering an irritant.
The exchange of respiratory gases between the alveoli and the capillaries. (correct)
The movement of gases into and out of the lungs due to pressure changes.
The cardiovascular system's ability to pump oxygenated blood to the tissues.

How does the thickness of the alveolar capillary membrane affect respiratory gas exchange?

A thicker membrane decreases the rate of diffusion, hindering gas exchange. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of alveolar macrophages in the respiratory defense mechanism?

To engulf and remove foreign particles and pathogens in the alveoli. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient is experiencing a collapse of the alveoli, preventing normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Which of the following conditions is the patient most likely experiencing?

Atelectasis (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient's arterial blood gas results show excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Which condition does this indicate?

Hypercapnia (A) Signup and view all the answers

What physiological mechanism primarily causes cyanosis?

Decreased oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in capillaries. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the coronary arteries regarding myocardial function?

Supplying the myocardium with nutrients and removing wastes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic study measures the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal expiration?

Pulmonary function test. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) results show a PaO2 of 55 mm Hg and an SpO2 of 88%. According to critical values for oxygenation, which condition is indicated?

Adequate for patients with chronic hypoxemia if no cardiac problems occur. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Anemia can lead to hypoxia because of which reason?

Reduced number of red blood cells available to carry oxygen. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How might a musculoskeletal abnormality such as flail chest impact oxygenation?

By reducing the movement of the chest wall, impairing ventilation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely effect of atherosclerotic plaques on oxygenation in older adults?

Reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is nicotine considered a risk factor for impaired oxygenation?

It causes vasoconstriction, worsening peripheral vascular disease. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does costochondritis typically affect chest pain in terms of its correlation with respiratory movements?

Pain worsens with inspiration. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of orthopnea in the context of dyspnea?

It denotes difficulty breathing when lying flat, often relieved by using pillows. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with hemoptysis and an alkaline pH. What is the likely origin of the bleeding?

Lower respiratory tract. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'pack-year history' quantify in a patient's smoking history, and why is it significant?

The cumulative exposure to tobacco; it's a key factor in assessing the risk of pulmonary diseases. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A nurse observes a patient's chest wall contracting during inspiration and expanding during exhalation. What breathing pattern is this?

Paradoxical breathing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What condition is nail clubbing generally indicative of?

Prolonged oxygen deficiency. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing diagnosis is specifically related to a reduced ability to maintain sufficient respiratory function?

Impaired gas exchange. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary rationale for mobilizing pulmonary secretions in airway management?

To maintain clear airways and facilitates removal of mucus. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient post-operative is prescribed coughing and deep breathing exercises. How frequently should these exercises be performed to prevent accumulation of secretions?

Every two hours while awake. (C) Signup and view all the answers

An oropharyngeal airway is designed to perform what action?

Prevent obstruction of the trachea by the tongue. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of incentive spirometry?

Encouraging voluntary deep breathing to expand the lungs. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In which clinical scenario would oxygen administration via a simple face mask be contraindicated?

A patient with known COPD who is at risk for carbon dioxide retention. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What key feature differentiates a non-rebreather mask from other oxygen masks, and what is its clinical significance?

It has a valve preventing exhaled air from returning to the bag; this allows higher concentrations of supplemental oxygen. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed oxygen via nasal cannula. What is an important consideration regarding flow rates greater than 4 L/min?

The need for humidification to prevent drying of nasal passages. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of atelectasis, i.e. collapsed alveoli in the lung?

Post-surgical procedures. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of asthma that differentiates it from other obstructive pulmonary diseases?

Reversible episodes of wheezing and breathlessness. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary pathological characteristic of emphysema?

Permanent enlargement and destruction of airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is typical for patients with chronic bronchitis?

Overweight and cyanotic due to hypoxemia. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient is receiving oxygen therapy. What are the recommended guidelines?

Adjust oxygen to maintain saturation at or above 90% during rest, exercise, and sleep. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is caring for a patient whose temperature is 101.5 F. The nurse expects this patient to have rapid breathing owing to what physiological response?

Increased metabolic demands. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What assessment finding is the earliest sign of hypoxia?

Restlessness. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The nurse needs to closely monitor the oxygen status of an elderly patient undergoing anesthesia because of which age-related change?

Decreased lung defense mechanisms may cause ineffective airway clearance. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention is most effective in preventing hospital acquired pneumonia in an elderly patient?

Assist patient to cough, turn, and deep breathe every 2 hours. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pleural sac?

Providing lubrication to reduce friction during respiration. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure prevents food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing?

Epiglottis (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'pores of Kohn' in the alveoli?

Allowing for gas exchange between adjacent alveoli. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which event occurs during expiration that leads to air exiting the lungs?

Decreased thoracic cavity volume increases the pressure within the lungs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cerebral cortex in the regulation of respiration?

Enabling voluntary control over breathing, e.g., holding one's breath. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the steps of oxygenation, what does perfusion refer to?

The ability of the cardiovascular system to transport oxygenated blood to tissues. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of hemoglobin in the respiratory gas exchange?

Carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mucociliary clearance system in the respiratory tract?

Trapping and removing foreign particles and pathogens. (D) Signup and view all the answers

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

Maintaining the surface tension of the alveoli to prevent collapse. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the progression of hypoxemia, what physiological response typically occurs before cyanosis?

Restlessness. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Starling's Law, how does increased stretching of the myocardium affect the subsequent contraction?

Increases the strength of the contraction. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient has a PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood) of 60 mm Hg and an SpO2 (oxygen saturation) of 90%. How would this be interpreted?

Indicates adequate oxygenation for patients at rest but low reserve. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient at sea level has an arterial blood gas (ABG) with a PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg. What does this indicate?

Hypercapnia. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does anemia lead to hypoxia?

Reducing the number of red blood cells available to carry hemoglobin. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does pregnancy typically affect oxygenation?

The enlarging uterus restricts diaphragm movement, increasing work of breathing. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Kussmaul respirations, and with what condition are they typically associated?

Deep, rapid breaths; associated with metabolic acidosis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports a recent HIV infection. What respiratory opportunistic infection is most associated with this health risk?

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (C) Signup and view all the answers

When performing chest physiotherapy (CPT), what is the purpose of chest percussion and vibration?

To loosen secretions and move them toward the larger airways. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When performing tracheal suctioning, what key consideration should guide the depth of catheter insertion?

To advance the catheter until the patient coughs, then pull back 1 cm. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is humidification important when administering oxygen via nasal cannula at flow rates greater than 4 L/min?

To prevent drying of the nasal mucosa. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a Venturi mask for oxygen delivery?

It allows for precise titration of oxygen concentration. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the pathophysiology of asthma, what is the primary process that leads to reversible airflow limitation?

Inflammation and bronchospasm. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between chronic bronchitis and emphysema regarding the primary pathological changes in COPD?

Chronic bronchitis primarily involves mucus hypersecretion, while emphysema involves alveolar destruction. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might increasing O2 saturation above 90% be detrimental?

It can suppress the respiratory drive in certain COPD patients. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for asking patients to rate their fatigue on a scale of 0-10 during a nursing assessment?

To assess for subjective loss of endurance and monitor worsening chronic disease. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a patient has hemoptysis and an alkaline pH, what is the most likely origin of the bleeding?

Lower Respiratory tract (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for older adults regarding alveoli?

Alveoli enlarges which decreases surface area for gas exchange (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which finding would the nurse correlate as an early manifestation of hypoxia?

Restlessness (C) Signup and view all the answers

The nurse is caring for an elderly patient that has a decreased cough mechanism as an age related change, why does this puts older adult at risk?

Increases mucus retention (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Upper Respiratory Tract

Includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, and trachea.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Includes the bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveoli, and lung lobes.

Inspiration

The process of air entering the nose/mouth when the diaphragm descends and intercostal muscles contract.