Questions for the Respiratory System

Questions for the Respiratory System Related

Review Questions for the Respiratory System related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. During assessment, the nurse finds that the patient is experiencing increased dyspnea. What is the most accurate measurement of the concentration of oxygen in the patient's blood?

  • A. A capillary blood sample
  • B. Pulse oximetry
  • C. An arterial blood gas (ABG) study
  • D. A complete blood count (CBC)
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: An arterial blood gas (ABG) study. This is the most accurate measurement of the concentration of oxygen in the patient's blood because ABG provides direct measurement of oxygen levels, including partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2). It also gives information on other important parameters like pH and carbon dioxide levels. Arterial blood is the best representation of oxygenation status.

Choice A (A capillary blood sample) may provide some information on oxygen saturation but is not as accurate as an ABG for measuring oxygen levels in the blood.

Choice B (Pulse oximetry) measures oxygen saturation in peripheral blood and can give a quick estimate of oxygen levels, but it is not as accurate as an ABG for determining the actual oxygen concentration in the blood.

Choice D (A complete blood count) does not provide direct information on oxygen levels in the blood, as it mainly focuses on the cellular components of blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and

You may also like to solve these questions

This blood gas picture reveals which of the following? PH = 7.52 pCO2 = 20 mmHg pO2 = 120 mmHg bicarb = 16 mmol/l

  • A. Metabolic alkalosis
  • B. Respiratory alkalosis with partial renal compensation
  • C. Metabolic acidosis
  • D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The blood gas values indicate respiratory alkalosis due to a high pH (7.52) and low pCO2 (20 mmHg). The normal pO2 and low bicarb suggest partial renal compensation. The kidneys retain HCO3- to partially offset the respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis (A) is incorrect as bicarb is low. Metabolic acidosis (C) is incorrect due to the high pH. Respiratory acidosis (D) is incorrect as pCO2 is low. In summary, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the blood gas values and the concept of compensation.

Where is carbonic anhydrase commonly found in the body?

  • A. Liver
  • B. Kidneys
  • C. Lungs
  • D. Stomach
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lungs. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that catalyzes the interconversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid, which plays a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance in the body. In the lungs, carbonic anhydrase helps regulate the levels of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate in the blood by facilitating the exchange of gases during respiration. This enzyme is not predominantly found in the liver, kidneys, or stomach, as their functions are not directly related to gas exchange or acid-base balance.

The nursing assistant tells you that the client on oxygen at a flow rate of 6 L/min by nasal cannula is complaining of nasal passage discomfort. What intervention should you suggest to improve the client's comfort for this problem?

  • A. Suggest that the client's oxygen be humidified.
  • B. Suggest that the client be placed on a simple face mask.
  • C. Suggest that the client be provided an extra pillow.
  • D. Suggest that the client sit up in a chair at the bedside.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Humidifying oxygen reduces nasal dryness and irritation caused by high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula. Using a face mask (B) might help but is less practical for long-term use. Providing an extra pillow (C) or sitting up in a chair (D) does not address the nasal discomfort directly.

Hemoglobin

  • A. tends to give up oxygen in regions where partial pressure of oxygen exceeds that in the lungs.
  • B. tends to hold onto oxygen when the pH of the blood drops.
  • C. tends to release oxygen where the temperature is lower.
  • D. releases oxygen more readily in highly active tissues.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because hemoglobin releases oxygen more readily in highly active tissues due to increased metabolic demand for oxygen. This is known as the Bohr effect. Choice A is incorrect as hemoglobin binds oxygen in the lungs where oxygen partial pressure is high. Choice B is incorrect as hemoglobin actually releases oxygen in acidic conditions to increase oxygen delivery to tissues. Choice C is incorrect as hemoglobin releases oxygen in warmer areas to facilitate oxygen delivery to metabolically active tissues.

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide is greatest in

  • A. venous blood
  • B. alveolar air
  • C. expired air
  • D. inspired air
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: venous blood. In the body, carbon dioxide is carried in the blood, primarily in the form of bicarbonate ions. Venous blood, returning from tissues to the heart, has higher levels of carbon dioxide compared to arterial blood. This results in a higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide in venous blood. Alveolar air (B) has a lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide due to gas exchange in the lungs, while expired air (C) has even lower levels as carbon dioxide is exhaled. Inspired air (D) has the lowest partial pressure of carbon dioxide as it has not yet entered the body.

Copyright © 2025 Nokea. All rights reserved.