Which of the following is consistent with advanced emphysema?
Barrel chest
Constant productive cough
Underinflation of the lungs
Arched diaphragm
The Correct Answer is A
A. Barrel chest is correct because advanced emphysema causes hyperinflation of the lungs due to air trapping. Over time, the anteroposterior diameter of the chest increases, giving the characteristic “barrel-shaped” appearance. This occurs because the alveoli are damaged, air is retained, and the lungs remain chronically overinflated, which also flattens the diaphragm and contributes to difficulty with effective respiration.
B. Constant productive cough is incorrect because a productive cough is more characteristic of chronic bronchitis, another form of COPD. Emphysema primarily involves alveolar destruction and airflow obstruction, so cough is usually minimal or dry in contrast to chronic bronchitis.
C. Underinflation of the lungs is incorrect because emphysematous lungs are overinflated, not underinflated. Hyperinflation leads to increased residual lung volume and the “barrel chest” deformity.
D. Arched diaphragm is incorrect because in emphysema, the diaphragm becomes flattened, not arched, due to lung hyperinflation and air trapping. A flattened diaphragm reduces the efficiency of inspiration, contributing to shortness of breath and use of accessory muscles.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Generalized skin redness is incorrect because this is not a hallmark of vaso-occlusive crises. Skin redness may occur with infection or inflammation, but it does not specifically indicate sickle-cell complications.
B. Bleeding gums is incorrect because bleeding tendencies are not typical of sickle-cell anemia. Bleeding gums are more commonly associated with platelet disorders or vitamin C deficiency, not vaso-occlusion.
C. Joint pain is correct because a vaso-occlusive crisis occurs when sickle-shaped red blood cells obstruct small blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow, ischemia, and tissue hypoxia. This results in severe pain, often in the joints, bones, chest, or abdomen, which is the hallmark symptom of a crisis. Other accompanying signs may include fever, swelling, and tenderness in affected areas. These pain episodes can be sudden, severe, and recurrent.
D. Bradycardia is incorrect because vaso-occlusive crises do not typically cause bradycardia. In fact, patients may develop tachycardia as a compensatory response to anemia or pain.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Larynx is incorrect because the larynx functions mainly as a passageway for air between the pharynx and trachea and houses the vocal cords. It does not participate in gas exchange.
B. Trachea is incorrect because the trachea serves as a conduit for air to move to the bronchi and lungs. Its rigid cartilage rings keep the airway open, but it does not have structures for oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion.
C. Alveoli is correct because alveoli are tiny, thin-walled sacs at the end of the bronchioles where oxygen diffuses from inhaled air into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. The alveolar walls are extremely thin and surrounded by a dense network of capillaries, maximizing surface area for efficient gas exchange, which is the primary function of the respiratory system.
D. Bronchi is incorrect because the bronchi are larger airways that conduct air into each lung and then divide into smaller bronchioles. While they transport air deeper into the lungs, gas exchange does not occur in the bronchi.
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