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A patient with pneumonia presents with hypoxia. Which pathophysiological process is primarily responsible for this condition?

A.

Increased alveolar ventilation

B.

Impaired alveolar gas exchange

C.

Decreased alveolar perfusion

D.

Enhanced diffusion of carbon dioxide

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Increased alveolar ventilation: In pneumonia, ventilation is actually decreased in the affected areas because the alveoli are filled with fluid/pus.

B. Impaired alveolar gas exchange: Pneumonia causes inflammatory fluid and exudate to fill the alveoli, creating a physical barrier that prevents oxygen from reaching the blood.

C. Decreased alveolar perfusion: Perfusion (blood flow) often continues, but because the alveoli aren't ventilated, blood leaves the area unoxygenated (shunting).

D. Enhanced diffusion of carbon dioxide: Diffusion is impaired, not enhanced.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Muscle weakness: This is more common in hypercalcemia or hypokalemia.

B. Chvostek's sign: A serum calcium of 7.5 mg/dL is low (normal is 9–10.5 mg/dL). Hypocalcemia causes neuromuscular irritability. Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped) is a classic finding.

C. Constipation: Constipation is a sign of hypercalcemia. Hypocalcemia often causes increased GI motility (diarrhea).

D. Hypertension: Hypocalcemia is more likely to be associated with hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Hypercalcemia: Most diuretics (especially loops) cause calcium loss, not gain (though thiazides can decrease calcium excretion).

B. Hypokalemia: Loop diuretics and thiazides increase the excretion of potassium in the urine, which is a common and dangerous side effect.

C. Hyponatremia: While diuretics can lower sodium, potassium loss (hypokalemia) is the most frequently monitored and classic complication cited in nursing exams for general "diuretic therapy."

D. Hypermagnesemia: Diuretics typically cause the loss of magnesium, leading to hypomagnesemia.

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