Questions on Respiratory System Related

Review Questions on Respiratory System related questions and content

A patient has been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, in which the capillaries in the alveoli are squeezed excessively. The nurse should recognize a disturbance in what aspect of normal respiratory function?

  • A. Acid-base balance
  • B. Perfusion
  • C. Diffusion
  • D. Ventilation
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perfusion. Pulmonary hypertension affects blood flow through the lungs, leading to decreased perfusion. This results in inadequate oxygenation of the blood. Acid-base balance (A) is maintained by the kidneys and lungs, not directly impacted by pulmonary hypertension. Diffusion (C) refers to gas exchange in the alveoli, which is affected by perfusion but not the primary disturbance in pulmonary hypertension. Ventilation (D) is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs, which is not primarily affected by pulmonary hypertension; it is more related to conditions like COPD.