NURS 231/NURS231 Module 6 V3 |
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. Which type of cell is responsible for the production of pulmonary surfactant in the alveoli?
A. Type I Alveolar Cells
B. Goblet Cells
C. Alveolar Macrophages
D. Type II Alveolar Cells
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Type II alveolar cells are cuboidal cells that secrete surfactant, a substance that
reduces surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse. Type I cells are thin squamous cells
primarily involved in gas exchange across the alveolar-capillary membrane. Without
adequate surfactant, the work of breathing increases significantly, leading to potential
respiratory failure.
2. A patient presents with a ‘barking’ cough and inspiratory stridor. Which condition is most
likely responsible?
A. Acute Epiglottitis
B. Bronchiolitis
C. Asthma
,D. Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Croup is characterized by subglottic inflammation and edema, typically caused
by a viral infection like parainfluenza. The classic barking cough and stridor result from the
narrowing of the upper airway. This condition is generally self-limiting but can require
corticosteroids in more severe cases.
3. Which of the following describes a ‘Ghon complex’ in the context of Tuberculosis?
A. A type of cavitation in the upper lobes
B. The initial site of infection and associated lymph node involvement
C. A disseminated form of TB involving multiple organs
D. A secondary reactivation of dormant bacilli
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Ghon complex consists of a calcified parenchymal lesion and an involved
regional lymph node. It represents the primary site of infection where the immune system
has walled off the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This finding is characteristic of latent TB
and indicates that the person has been infected but may not be contagious.
4. In Emphysema, the primary physiological change causing airway obstruction is:
A. Loss of elastic recoil and destruction of alveolar walls
B. Reversible bronchospasm triggered by allergens
, C. Excessive mucus production and bronchial edema
D. Infection leading to consolidation of lung tissue
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Emphysema involves the permanent enlargement of gas-exchange airways and
destruction of alveolar walls without obvious fibrosis. The loss of elastic recoil causes the
airways to collapse during expiration, trapping air in the lungs. This process leads to the
‘barrel chest’ appearance and significant hyperinflation noted in these patients.
5. What is the most common cause of a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A. Atrial Fibrillation
B. Amniotic fluid entry
C. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
D. Air entry during IV insertion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A pulmonary embolism most frequently occurs when a thrombus dislodges
from the deep veins of the lower extremities, known as DVT. The clot travels through the
venous system to the right side of the heart and into the pulmonary arteries. Risk factors
include immobility, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury, collectively known as
Virchow’s Triad.
Pathophysiology Q&A with Rationale |
Portage Learning
1. Which type of cell is responsible for the production of pulmonary surfactant in the alveoli?
A. Type I Alveolar Cells
B. Goblet Cells
C. Alveolar Macrophages
D. Type II Alveolar Cells
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Type II alveolar cells are cuboidal cells that secrete surfactant, a substance that
reduces surface tension to prevent alveolar collapse. Type I cells are thin squamous cells
primarily involved in gas exchange across the alveolar-capillary membrane. Without
adequate surfactant, the work of breathing increases significantly, leading to potential
respiratory failure.
2. A patient presents with a ‘barking’ cough and inspiratory stridor. Which condition is most
likely responsible?
A. Acute Epiglottitis
B. Bronchiolitis
C. Asthma
,D. Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Croup is characterized by subglottic inflammation and edema, typically caused
by a viral infection like parainfluenza. The classic barking cough and stridor result from the
narrowing of the upper airway. This condition is generally self-limiting but can require
corticosteroids in more severe cases.
3. Which of the following describes a ‘Ghon complex’ in the context of Tuberculosis?
A. A type of cavitation in the upper lobes
B. The initial site of infection and associated lymph node involvement
C. A disseminated form of TB involving multiple organs
D. A secondary reactivation of dormant bacilli
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A Ghon complex consists of a calcified parenchymal lesion and an involved
regional lymph node. It represents the primary site of infection where the immune system
has walled off the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This finding is characteristic of latent TB
and indicates that the person has been infected but may not be contagious.
4. In Emphysema, the primary physiological change causing airway obstruction is:
A. Loss of elastic recoil and destruction of alveolar walls
B. Reversible bronchospasm triggered by allergens
, C. Excessive mucus production and bronchial edema
D. Infection leading to consolidation of lung tissue
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Emphysema involves the permanent enlargement of gas-exchange airways and
destruction of alveolar walls without obvious fibrosis. The loss of elastic recoil causes the
airways to collapse during expiration, trapping air in the lungs. This process leads to the
‘barrel chest’ appearance and significant hyperinflation noted in these patients.
5. What is the most common cause of a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A. Atrial Fibrillation
B. Amniotic fluid entry
C. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
D. Air entry during IV insertion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A pulmonary embolism most frequently occurs when a thrombus dislodges
from the deep veins of the lower extremities, known as DVT. The clot travels through the
venous system to the right side of the heart and into the pulmonary arteries. Risk factors
include immobility, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury, collectively known as
Virchow’s Triad.
