NUR 5461/NUR5461 Module 3 V3 |
Pulmonary System Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which condition is characterized by a persistent productive cough for at least 3 months in
at least 2 consecutive years?
A. Emphysema
B. Asthma
C. Chronic Bronchitis
D. Pneumonia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Chronic bronchitis is defined clinically by a productive cough lasting
for at least three months over two consecutive years. This condition involves the
inflammation of the bronchial tubes and excessive mucus production. It is a major
component of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) along with emphysema.
2. A patient with emphysema typically presents with which of the following pathological
changes?
A. Excessive mucus production in the bronchioles
B. Reversible bronchospasm after allergen exposure
C. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil
,D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Emphysema involves the permanent enlargement of gas-exchange
airways accompanied by destruction of alveolar walls. The loss of elastic recoil leads to air
trapping and difficulty with expiration. This process is often driven by an imbalance
between proteases and antiproteases in the lungs.
3. Which mediator is primarily responsible for the immediate bronchoconstriction seen in an
acute asthma attack?
A. Interleukin-5
B. Alpha-1 antitrypsin
C. Histamine
D. Surfactant
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Asthma is a Type I hypersensitivity reaction where IgE binds to mast
cells. Upon re-exposure to an allergen, mast cells degranulate and release histamine, which
causes immediate smooth muscle contraction. This leads to the characteristic wheezing
and shortness of breath seen in patients.
4. What is the primary physiological defect in Cystic Fibrosis affecting the respiratory system?
A. Deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin
, B. Abnormal chloride and water transport across epithelia
C. Increased pulmonary capillary permeability
D. Destruction of the phrenic nerve
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene which
regulates chloride transport. This defect results in the production of abnormally thick and
sticky mucus that obstructs the airways. Consequently, patients suffer from chronic
infections and progressive lung damage.
5. A patient’s arterial blood gas shows a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg. This condition is known as:
A. Hypoxemia
B. Hypercapnia
C. Hypoxia
D. Hypocapnia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hypercapnia is defined as an increase in the carbon dioxide content
of the arterial blood. It is usually caused by hypoventilation of the alveoli. This condition
can lead to respiratory acidosis if not corrected by compensatory mechanisms.
Pulmonary System Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. Which condition is characterized by a persistent productive cough for at least 3 months in
at least 2 consecutive years?
A. Emphysema
B. Asthma
C. Chronic Bronchitis
D. Pneumonia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Chronic bronchitis is defined clinically by a productive cough lasting
for at least three months over two consecutive years. This condition involves the
inflammation of the bronchial tubes and excessive mucus production. It is a major
component of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) along with emphysema.
2. A patient with emphysema typically presents with which of the following pathological
changes?
A. Excessive mucus production in the bronchioles
B. Reversible bronchospasm after allergen exposure
C. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil
,D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Emphysema involves the permanent enlargement of gas-exchange
airways accompanied by destruction of alveolar walls. The loss of elastic recoil leads to air
trapping and difficulty with expiration. This process is often driven by an imbalance
between proteases and antiproteases in the lungs.
3. Which mediator is primarily responsible for the immediate bronchoconstriction seen in an
acute asthma attack?
A. Interleukin-5
B. Alpha-1 antitrypsin
C. Histamine
D. Surfactant
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Asthma is a Type I hypersensitivity reaction where IgE binds to mast
cells. Upon re-exposure to an allergen, mast cells degranulate and release histamine, which
causes immediate smooth muscle contraction. This leads to the characteristic wheezing
and shortness of breath seen in patients.
4. What is the primary physiological defect in Cystic Fibrosis affecting the respiratory system?
A. Deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin
, B. Abnormal chloride and water transport across epithelia
C. Increased pulmonary capillary permeability
D. Destruction of the phrenic nerve
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene which
regulates chloride transport. This defect results in the production of abnormally thick and
sticky mucus that obstructs the airways. Consequently, patients suffer from chronic
infections and progressive lung damage.
5. A patient’s arterial blood gas shows a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg. This condition is known as:
A. Hypoxemia
B. Hypercapnia
C. Hypoxia
D. Hypocapnia
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hypercapnia is defined as an increase in the carbon dioxide content
of the arterial blood. It is usually caused by hypoventilation of the alveoli. This condition
can lead to respiratory acidosis if not corrected by compensatory mechanisms.
