PATH 230: Test 2026 with 100% Correct Solutions
which part of the nervous system contains the respiratory center that controls breathing?
the medulla oblongata (brainstem)
what does the medulla oblongata do?
regulates the rate, rhythm, and depth of breathing (ventilation)
what is dyspnea?
a subjective feeling of breathlessness or difficulty breathing; characterized by labored or difficult
respirations
what does dyspnea indicate?
impaired ventilation, obstruction, poor gas exchange
what is orthopnea?
shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat
how is orthopnea relieved?
by sitting upright or standing
what is hemoptysis?
coughing up blood-tinged sputum from the lower respiratory tract
what does hemoptysis indicate?
suggests airway or lung damage from infection, inflammation, or pulmonary embolism
clinical manifestation of hemoptysis?
, tuberculosis, where a patient may present with a persistent cough and purulent sputum that is
blood-streaked
what is cheyne-stokes respiration?
a pattern of deep breathing --> shallow breathing --> apnea in cycles
what is cyanosis?
bluish discoloration of skin/mucosa
what causes cyanosis?
increased deoxygenated hemoglobin
t/f: cyanosis can be used as an early sign of hypoxia?
false, it is a late sign - do not rely on for early detection
associated conditions of cyanosis?
flail chest, pneumothorax, hemothorax, respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis
what does an elevated PaCO2 level indicate?
hypoventilation leading to CO2 retention (hypercapnia) --> respiratory acidosis
normal PaCO2 level?
35-45 mmHg
what does a PaCO2 level of above 45 indicate?
hypoventilation & hypercapnia
what does a PaCO2 level of below 35 indicate?
which part of the nervous system contains the respiratory center that controls breathing?
the medulla oblongata (brainstem)
what does the medulla oblongata do?
regulates the rate, rhythm, and depth of breathing (ventilation)
what is dyspnea?
a subjective feeling of breathlessness or difficulty breathing; characterized by labored or difficult
respirations
what does dyspnea indicate?
impaired ventilation, obstruction, poor gas exchange
what is orthopnea?
shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat
how is orthopnea relieved?
by sitting upright or standing
what is hemoptysis?
coughing up blood-tinged sputum from the lower respiratory tract
what does hemoptysis indicate?
suggests airway or lung damage from infection, inflammation, or pulmonary embolism
clinical manifestation of hemoptysis?
, tuberculosis, where a patient may present with a persistent cough and purulent sputum that is
blood-streaked
what is cheyne-stokes respiration?
a pattern of deep breathing --> shallow breathing --> apnea in cycles
what is cyanosis?
bluish discoloration of skin/mucosa
what causes cyanosis?
increased deoxygenated hemoglobin
t/f: cyanosis can be used as an early sign of hypoxia?
false, it is a late sign - do not rely on for early detection
associated conditions of cyanosis?
flail chest, pneumothorax, hemothorax, respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis
what does an elevated PaCO2 level indicate?
hypoventilation leading to CO2 retention (hypercapnia) --> respiratory acidosis
normal PaCO2 level?
35-45 mmHg
what does a PaCO2 level of above 45 indicate?
hypoventilation & hypercapnia
what does a PaCO2 level of below 35 indicate?
