Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Respiratory Care Related

Review Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Respiratory Care related questions and content

Choose the correct answer(s). In some questions, more than one answer is correct. Select all that apply. Which description is most accurate regarding the mechanics of breathing?

  • A. Breathing is voluntary because people are able to hold their breath at will.
  • B. Breathing is involuntary and occurs because of the movement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
  • C. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves upward and the intercostal muscles move the ribs up and out, causing expiration.
  • D. In the alveoli, oxygen leaves the alveoli and moves into the blood in the capillaries as a result of osmosis.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Breathing is primarily involuntary, driven by the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Choice C is incorrect because diaphragm contraction moves it downward, causing inspiration, not expiration. Choice D is incorrect as oxygen moves by diffusion, not osmosis.