Pathophysiology Of Respiratory Disease! Quiz

Cigarette smoking is the primary causative agent for lung cancer. This is because cigarettes contain numerous harmful chemicals that are inhaled into the lungs when smoked. These chemicals can cause DNA damage and mutations in the cells of the lungs, leading to the development of cancer. Studies have consistently shown a strong link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, making it the leading cause of this type of cancer in the United States.

The alveoli are tiny air sacs located in the lungs where gas exchange takes place. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses through the thin walls of the alveoli into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product, moves from the bloodstream into the alveoli to be exhaled. The large surface area and thin walls of the alveoli allow for efficient exchange of gases between the air and the blood, ensuring that oxygen is delivered to the body's cells and carbon dioxide is removed.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the production of mucus in the body. In individuals with cystic fibrosis, the mucus becomes thick and sticky, leading to obstruction in the bronchioles and small bronchi. This obstruction can make it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties and recurrent lung infections. Therefore, the statement that cystic fibrosis causes obstruction in the bronchioles and small bronchi due to abnormally thick mucous secretions is true.

The respiratory system is responsible for bringing oxygen into the body, removing carbon dioxide and other gas wastes, and working in conjunction with the cardiovascular system to transport oxygen to the cells. However, it does not have a function in decreasing the temperature of the air. This is typically regulated by other mechanisms such as sweating or shivering.

The statement is true because effective breathing patterns are necessary for adequate gas exchange. Gas exchange refers to the process of oxygen entering the bloodstream and carbon dioxide being removed from the body. This exchange is crucial for metabolic processes, as oxygen is needed for cellular respiration to produce energy and carbon dioxide is a waste product that needs to be eliminated. Therefore, in order to maintain effective breathing patterns, one must have an adequate gas exchange for metabolic processes.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to produce normal mucus, resulting in the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in various organs, especially the lungs and digestive system. This leads to symptoms such as fatty stools due to poor absorption of fats, salty skin due to increased salt content in sweat, and frequent respiratory infections due to the mucus trapping bacteria in the lungs. Asthma, emphysema, and respiratory distress syndrome do not typically present with these specific symptoms.

Pulmonary edema is a condition characterized by an excess accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space of the lungs. This fluid buildup can occur due to various reasons, such as heart failure, kidney problems, or lung injury. The excessive fluid in the interstitial space can impair the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. Therefore, pulmonary edema is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the condition characterized by too much fluid in the interstitial space.

The given scenario presents a patient with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure, who subsequently experiences a myocardial infarction (MI). Pulmonary embolus is a disorder that could potentially explain this situation. A pulmonary embolus occurs when a blood clot (typically from deep vein thrombosis) travels to the lungs and obstructs blood flow. This can lead to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, causing pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, the clot can further compromise circulation, potentially leading to heart failure. The development of an MI could occur as a result of reduced blood supply to the heart due to the clot.

During inhalation, the diaphragm, which is a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs, contracts and moves downward. This causes the volume of the chest cavity to increase, leading to a decrease in pressure within the lungs. As a result, air is drawn into the lungs, causing the ribs to expand outward. Therefore, the statement that during inhalation, the diaphragm drops and the ribs expand is true.

Proper ventilation refers to the movement of air in and out of the lungs. The chest wall, diaphragm, and lung tissue are all essential for this process. The chest wall helps in expanding and contracting the lungs, the diaphragm aids in breathing by contracting and relaxing, and the lung tissue allows for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. On the other hand, intact cilia are not a requirement for proper ventilation. Cilia are tiny hair-like structures that line the respiratory tract and help in clearing mucus and foreign particles. While they play a role in maintaining respiratory health, their absence would not directly affect the process of ventilation.

The controls of respiratory functions reside in the brain. The brain is responsible for regulating and coordinating the processes involved in breathing, such as the contraction of respiratory muscles and the control of respiratory rate. It receives signals from various sensors in the body, such as the chemoreceptors in the blood vessels, and adjusts the respiratory activity accordingly to maintain the appropriate levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. The pituitary gland, lungs, and upper respiratory tract do not directly control respiratory functions, although they may play a role in certain aspects of respiratory health.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder. It is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, which affects the production of a protein that is responsible for regulating the flow of salt and fluids in the body's cells. This mutation leads to the production of thick and sticky mucus in various organs, such as the lungs, pancreas, and liver. The inheritance of this disorder is autosomal recessive, meaning that both parents must carry the mutated gene for their child to be affected.

Cor pulmonale is a condition characterized by enlargement and dysfunction of the right side of the heart, specifically due to high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). This increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries can be caused by various factors such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary embolism, or long-term exposure to high altitudes. Consequently, the right side of the heart has to work harder to pump blood against this resistance, leading to right-sided heart failure.

Vital capacity corresponds with this definition. However, residual volume is the volume of air in the lungs after maximum expiration.

If the A-C interface is affected by stretching or damage, it would result in an alteration in gas exchange. The A-C interface refers to the interface between the alveoli in the lungs and the capillaries where gas exchange occurs. If this interface is affected, it would impair the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the bloodstream, leading to a disruption in the gas exchange process.

Clubbing of the fingers is a primary physical characteristic that is often seen as a result of chronic hypoxemia. Chronic hypoxemia refers to a long-term decrease in the oxygen levels in the blood, which can occur due to various respiratory conditions. In response to this chronic lack of oxygen, the body undergoes certain changes, including the enlargement of the fingertips and the soft tissues around the nails. This leads to the characteristic appearance of clubbing, where the fingertips become rounded and the nails curve downwards. Therefore, clubbing of the fingers is a clear indication of chronic hypoxemia.

Emphysema is a disease characterized by a decreased oxygen level leading to chronic hypoxemia. It is also characterized by stretching of the A-C membrane causing a decrease in gas exchange and air trapping in the thoracic cavity. This is because in emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs become damaged and lose their elasticity, leading to the trapping of air and difficulty in exhaling. This results in a decrease in gas exchange and a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. Therefore, emphysema is the correct answer for this question.

Pneumothorax is a disorder characterized by the presence of air in the pleural space, which is the space between the lung and the chest wall. This abnormal accumulation of air causes the lung to collapse partially or completely, leading to a decrease in lung size and lung tissue. As a result, gas exchange, which is the process of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in the lungs, is also impaired.

An increased width or decreased amount of A-C interface can lead to changes in gas exchange. The A-C interface refers to the interface between the alveoli (A) and the capillaries (C) in the lungs. Gas exchange occurs at this interface, where oxygen is taken up by the blood and carbon dioxide is released into the alveoli to be exhaled. If the width of the A-C interface increases or the amount of A-C interface decreases, it can impair the efficiency of gas exchange, leading to difficulties in obtaining oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide.

Chronic bronchitis is a possible explanation for the patient's symptoms. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to excessive mucus production and a persistent cough. The productive cough and respiratory irritation observed in the patient align with the symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Cyanosis of the skin, which indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood, can also occur in chronic bronchitis due to impaired lung function. The other options, respiratory distress syndrome, cor pulmonale, and cystic fibrosis, may present with different symptoms or have additional manifestations that are not mentioned in the question.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a condition characterized by a combination of several characteristics. These include A-C membrane injury, which refers to damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane in the lungs. RDS also involves a decrease in surfactant production, which is a substance that helps reduce surface tension in the lungs. This decrease in surfactant leads to stiffening of the lungs, which in turn decreases gas exchange. Additionally, RDS causes damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Lastly, RDS can result in the production of a non-permeable membrane, further impairing gas exchange. Therefore, all of the above characteristics accurately describe Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

The correct answer is "release of interleukins, histamine, leukotrienes" and "airway edema from increased mucous productions". These factors are involved in the pathway of asthma. Interleukins, histamine, and leukotrienes are inflammatory substances released during an asthma attack, causing airway inflammation and constriction. This leads to symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. Additionally, increased mucous production and airway edema further contribute to airway obstruction in asthma.

The correct answer is "too much air trapped in the thoracic cavity." In emphysema, the walls of the alveoli in the lungs become damaged, causing them to lose their elasticity. This leads to air getting trapped in the thoracic cavity, causing the chest to become hyperinflated and resulting in a barrel-shaped appearance. This physical abnormality is a characteristic feature of emphysema.

As CO2 levels in the blood rise slowly, the chemoreceptors responsible for detecting changes in CO2 levels may not be able to recognize the problem quickly. In response, receptors in peripheral parts of the body take over and become the "secondary drivers" to maintain homeostasis. These receptors are known as "oxygen drivers" because they respond to changes in oxygen levels in the blood to regulate breathing and other physiological processes.

The question asks for a cause of alteration in air flow that is not included in the given options. The options provided include breathing patterns, chest wall injury, parenchymal injury, and inflammation. All of these can cause alteration in air flow. Therefore, the correct answer is "none of the above" as none of the options listed are NOT causes of alteration in air flow.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a disorder characterized by tachypnea (rapid breathing), shortness of breath (SOB), lung crackles, and hypoxemia (low oxygen levels). In this scenario, the patient's symptoms align with the characteristics of RDS. The nurses decided to administer supplemental oxygen to help improve the patient's oxygen levels, but the patient did not respond, suggesting that the underlying cause of their respiratory distress is likely RDS.

Lung cancer involves the symptoms of hemoptysis (coughing up blood), pleural effusion (fluid accumulation around the lungs), chest pain, and anemia. These symptoms are commonly associated with lung cancer due to the presence of tumors in the lungs that can cause bleeding, fluid accumulation, and pain. Anemia can also occur as a result of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body and affecting the production of red blood cells. Therefore, lung cancer is the most likely disease that would present with these symptoms.

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, leading to a decreased airflow. This narrowing causes the airway to collapse during expiration, resulting in hyperinflation. The chronic inflammation also leads to the production of excess mucus, which further obstructs the airways. This chronic inflammation and mucus production result in chronic hypoxemia, or low levels of oxygen in the blood. The decreased effectiveness of pulmonary muscle mechanics leads to hypoventilation, or inadequate ventilation of the lungs. Therefore, chronic bronchitis is the disorder that best fits the given description.

Chronic hypoxemia, or long-term low levels of oxygen in the blood, is the underlying cause of polycythemia (an increase in the number of red blood cells) and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs). When the body is consistently deprived of oxygen, it compensates by producing more red blood cells, leading to polycythemia. Additionally, the lack of oxygen causes constriction of the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to increased pressure and pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, chronic hypoxemia is the causative agent for both conditions.

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease characterized by the destruction of the air sacs in the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing. The two alterations manifested by emphysema are obstructive problems and gas exchange problems. Obstructive problems occur due to the narrowing or blockage of the airways, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. Gas exchange problems refer to the impaired transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream and the removal of carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. These alterations contribute to the symptoms and complications associated with emphysema.

Pulmonary hypertension is a result of high blood pressure in the pulmonary arterial system, NOT the same as high blood pressure.

Flail chest is two or more rib fractures in TWO or more places.

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs, causing inflammation and fluid buildup. It typically leads to a decrease in air flow due to the blockage caused by the infection. It also impairs gas exchange, as the inflamed and fluid-filled lungs are unable to effectively exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, pneumonia does not typically result in an increase in respirations. In fact, it often leads to a decrease in respirations due to the compromised lung function.

A leaking lung can cause lung tissue compression because the hole in the lung or chest wall allows air to escape from the lung, leading to a collapse or compression of the lung tissue. Additionally, the hole can also result in decreased gas exchange because the air that is supposed to be in the lung is leaking out, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be taken in and carbon dioxide that can be expelled.

Aspiration is the correct answer because it is a condition where foreign substances, such as food or liquid, are inhaled into the lungs. This can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to symptoms such as nasal flaring and chest retractions. Pulmonary edema refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, and respiratory distress syndrome is a condition primarily affecting premature infants where the lungs are not fully developed.

Foreign bodies, narrowed lumen, tumors, and inflammation can all cause an obstructed airway. A foreign body refers to any object that enters the airway and blocks the passage of air. A narrowed lumen refers to a reduction in the diameter of the airway, which can be caused by various factors such as swelling or constriction. Tumors can grow within the airway and physically block the flow of air. Inflammation, which can be caused by infections or allergies, can lead to swelling and narrowing of the airway, obstructing the passage of air.

A "flail chest" is characterized by a chest wall injury, which can result in paradoxical motion where the affected area moves in the opposite direction during breathing compared to the rest of the chest. This injury can cause the rib cage to go inward during inspiration, leading to a disruption of air flow and gas exchange.

Emphysema pathway:
alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency-> destruction of alveolar septa-> bigger alveoli-> loss of supporting structures-> difficulty exhaling-> air trapped in alveoli-> increased diameter of chest-> decreased pulmonary muscle effectiveness-> hypoventilation-> chronic hypoxia