A patient has pneumonia and areas of collapsed alveoli. What is the effect of the pneumonia and collapsed alveoli on breathing?
There are fewer alveoli available for gas exchange
Rapid shallow breathing can compensate for the collapsed alveoli, no further treatment is required
02 levels in the blood will increase
There will be no effect on breathing and 02 levels in the blood
The Correct Answer is A
A. There are fewer alveoli available for gas exchange: Pneumonia causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, while collapsed alveoli (atelectasis) reduce the surface area available for gas exchange. This results in impaired oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide removal, making breathing less efficient.
B. Rapid shallow breathing can compensate for the collapsed alveoli, no further treatment is required: While rapid, shallow breathing can be a response to decreased oxygen levels, it does not fully compensate for the loss of functional alveoli. Patients with pneumonia and atelectasis often require medical intervention, such as oxygen therapy or breathing exercises, to improve lung function.
C. O₂ levels in the blood will increase: Oxygen levels in the blood decrease, not increase, because fewer alveoli are available to facilitate gas exchange. The impaired alveolar function leads to hypoxemia (low blood oxygen), which can cause symptoms like shortness of breath and cyanosis.
D. There will be no effect on breathing and O₂ levels in the blood: Pneumonia and collapsed alveoli significantly affect breathing and oxygen levels. Patients may experience difficulty breathing, reduced oxygen saturation, and increased respiratory effort as their bodies try to compensate for poor oxygen exchange.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Bronchial tree: The bronchial tree refers to the entire system of airways including the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
B. Bronchioles: Bronchioles are smaller airways that arise from bronchi and do not contain cartilage. They are located further down the respiratory pathway, closer to labels #5 or #6.
C. Alveoli: Alveoli are the tiny air sacs at the very end of the respiratory tract where gas exchange occurs. They are shown at label #7, not #3.
D. Bronchi: Bronchi are the major air passages that branch off from the trachea. Label #3 is pointing to a structure at this level-larger than bronchioles but smaller than the trachea. It is one of the primary or secondary bronchi.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Pharynx: The pharynx (throat) is part of the upper respiratory tract and functions as a passageway for both air and food.
B. Nasal cavity: The nasal cavity is the main entryway for inhaled air and is part of the upper respiratory system.
C. Bronchial tree: The bronchial tree is part of the lower respiratory system, beginning with the bronchi and branching into bronchioles.
D. Larynx: The larynx (voice box) is part of the upper respiratory system; it connects the pharynx to the trachea.
E. Trachea: The trachea (windpipe) is part of the lower respiratory system.
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