The term hypercapnia refers to
- A. the cessation of breathing
- B. elevated PCO2
- C. elevated PO2
- D. an increase in pH
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Understand the term - Hypercapnia means increased levels of CO2 in the blood.
Step 2: Elevated PCO2 directly relates to increased CO2 levels.
Step 3: This condition can lead to respiratory issues due to excess CO2.
Step 4: Therefore, choice B, elevated PCO2, is the correct answer.
Summary: Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as hypercapnia specifically refers to increased CO2 levels, not the cessation of breathing, elevated PO2, or an increase in pH.
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A gerontologic nurse is analyzing the data from a patient's focused respiratory assessment. The nurse is aware that the amount of respiratory dead space increases with age. What is the effect of this physiological change?
- A. Increased diffusion of gases
- B. Decreased diffusion capacity for oxygen
- C. Decreased shunting of blood
- D. Increased ventilation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased diffusion capacity for oxygen. With age, respiratory dead space increases, leading to a mismatch between ventilation and perfusion in the lungs. This results in a decrease in the ability of the lungs to effectively transfer oxygen into the bloodstream, reducing the diffusion capacity for oxygen. This physiological change can lead to decreased oxygenation of tissues and organs.
Summary:
A: Increased diffusion of gases - Incorrect. Increased dead space does not enhance gas diffusion; instead, it impairs gas exchange.
C: Decreased shunting of blood - Incorrect. Shunting refers to blood bypassing oxygenation in the lungs, which is not directly affected by dead space.
D: Increased ventilation - Incorrect. While dead space may lead to increased ventilation efforts, it does not directly improve oxygen diffusion capacity.
Mammalian lungs have numerous alveoli for
- A. Increasing the volume of inspired air
- B. Keeping the lungs in proper shape
- C. Higher number of muscles to provide greater elasticity
- D. Increasing surface area for gaseous diffusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because alveoli increase the surface area for gaseous diffusion, facilitating efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. Option A is incorrect as alveoli do not affect the volume of inspired air. Option B is incorrect as alveoli do not play a role in maintaining lung shape. Option C is incorrect as alveoli do not increase muscles in the lungs for elasticity. Therefore, the primary function of alveoli is to increase surface area for gaseous diffusion, making option D the correct choice.
In human beings, partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the inspired and expired air is respectively
- A. 0.3 and 40 mm Hg
- B. 0.3 and 32 mm Hg
- C. 40 and 46 mm Hg
- D. 40 and 0.3 mm Hg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (0.3 and 32 mm Hg) because in inspired air, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is low at around 0.3 mm Hg, whereas in expired air, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is higher at around 32 mm Hg due to gas exchange in the lungs.
Choice A (0.3 and 40 mm Hg) is incorrect because the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in inspired air is not typically as high as 40 mm Hg.
Choice C (40 and 46 mm Hg) is incorrect because the values are reversed; the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is higher in expired air compared to inspired air.
Choice D (40 and 0.3 mm Hg) is incorrect as the values are reversed, and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in inspired air is not typically as high as 40 mm Hg.
Oxygenated blood from lungs is carried to heart by
- A. Pulmonary artery
- B. Pulmonary vein
- C. Coronary vein
- D. Pre-cavals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary vein. Oxygenated blood from the lungs is carried to the heart by the pulmonary vein. After receiving oxygen in the lungs, blood returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins to be pumped to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery (A) carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. The coronary vein (C) drains deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle. Pre-cavals (D) is not a term used in the context of blood circulation.
A client is receiving oxygen at 4 L per nasal cannula. What comfort measure may the nurse delegate to assistive personnel (AP)?
- A. Apply water-soluble ointment to nares and lips.
- B. Periodically turn the oxygen down or off.
- C. Replaces the oxygen tubing with a different type.
- D. Turn the client every 2 hours or as needed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because applying water-soluble ointment to nares and lips helps prevent skin breakdown and discomfort caused by the oxygen flow. This task is within the scope of practice for assistive personnel (AP) as it does not require specialized medical knowledge or training.
Choice B is incorrect because adjusting oxygen flow should only be done by licensed healthcare providers based on the client's prescribed oxygen therapy. Choice C is incorrect as replacing oxygen tubing requires knowledge of oxygen delivery systems and potential risks associated with incorrect tubing selection. Choice D is incorrect because turning the client every 2 hours is a nursing intervention related to preventing pressure ulcers, not specifically related to oxygen therapy comfort measures.