Which of the following statements is true regarding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Lung damage caused by COPD is reversible
COPD refers only to chronic bronchitis
COPD affects only those of European descent
Smoking is the primary cause of COPD
The Correct Answer is D
A. Lung damage caused by COPD is reversible is incorrect because COPD involves chronic, progressive destruction of the airways and alveoli, particularly in emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While medications and interventions can manage symptoms and slow progression, the structural lung damage is irreversible.
B. COPD refers only to chronic bronchitis is incorrect because COPD is a broad term that encompasses multiple chronic lung conditions, primarily chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Some patients may have features of both, and less commonly, COPD can be influenced by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
C. COPD affects only those of European descent is incorrect because COPD affects individuals worldwide regardless of ethnicity. While certain genetic factors (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) are more prevalent in some populations, the disease is not limited to European descent.
D. Smoking is the primary cause of COPD is correct because long-term cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor. Tobacco smoke causes chronic airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, ciliary dysfunction, and destruction of alveolar walls, leading to airflow limitation, impaired gas exchange, and progressive respiratory symptoms. Other contributing factors include environmental exposures (pollution, occupational dust), recurrent respiratory infections, and genetic susceptibility.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A loss of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia primarily affects red blood cells. White blood cells and platelets are usually unaffected in terms of production; the condition does not cause a pancytopenia like aplastic anemia.
B. Abnormally-shaped red blood cells that cause obstruction of small blood vessels is correct because sickle-cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene, resulting in hemoglobin S. Under low oxygen conditions, hemoglobin S polymerizes, causing red blood cells to become rigid, crescent-shaped (sickle-shaped), and less flexible. These sickled cells block small blood vessels, leading to vaso-occlusion, ischemia, pain crises, and organ damage. Additionally, sickled cells are prone to hemolysis, resulting in chronic anemia.
C. Increased numbers of circulating red blood cells and hemoglobin is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia results in hemolytic anemia, meaning red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels are reduced, not increased.
D. Decreased red blood cells due to a lack of intrinsic factor is incorrect because this describes pernicious anemia, not sickle-cell anemia. Sickle-cell anemia is a genetic hemoglobinopathy, not a vitamin B12 absorption issue.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Frontal cortex and occipital lobe is incorrect because these areas of the brain are primarily responsible for voluntary movement, higher cognitive functions, and visual processing, not the automatic regulation of breathing.
B. Cerebellum and corpus callosum is incorrect because the cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance, and the corpus callosum facilitates communication between the brain’s hemispheres. Neither directly controls the rhythm or rate of respiration.
C. Medulla and pons is correct because the medulla oblongata and pons, located in the brainstem, contain the primary respiratory centers. The medulla houses the dorsal respiratory group (DRG), which controls inspiration, and the ventral respiratory group (VRG), which controls expiration during active breathing. The pons contains the pneumotaxic and apneustic centers, which fine-tune the rate and depth of breathing, ensuring smooth transitions between inspiration and expiration. These centers respond to chemical signals (CO₂, O₂, pH) and mechanical signals from the lungs to maintain effective ventilation.
D. Hypothalamus and pituitary is incorrect because these structures regulate hormonal activity, temperature, thirst, and hunger, but they do not directly control the automatic rhythm of breathing.
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