,Geneva College NURS 251 Module 5 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Portage
Learning Q&A | Pharmacology
1. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
A) To deliver carbon dioxide to the cells of the body and remove oxygen
B) To deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide
C) To regulate blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation
D) To filter particulate matter from inhaled air only
Correct Answer: To deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove
carbon dioxide
Rationale: The main function of the respiratory system is two-fold: delivering
oxygen to the body’s cells and removing carbon dioxide from the body.. The
upper and lower respiratory tracts work together to accomplish this process,
which is essential for cellular metabolism and maintaining acid-base balance.
2. Which anatomical part is NOT considered part of the Upper Respiratory
Tract (URT)?
A) Nose
B) Nasopharynx
C) Larynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: Trachea
Rationale: The URT is located outside the chest cavity and includes the nose,
nasopharynx, and larynx. The trachea is part of the Lower Respiratory Tract
(LRT), which also includes the bronchial tree and lungs..
,3. Which microscopic sacs within the lungs are responsible for the exchange
of oxygen and carbon dioxide?
A) Bronchioles
B) Alveoli
C) Pleura
D) Cilia
Correct Answer: Alveoli
Rationale: Alveoli are the tiny, grape-like sacs where gas exchange occurs.
Oxygen diffuses across the alveolar membrane into the blood, while carbon
dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled..
4. According to the diagram of the respiratory tract, which organs are
included in the lower respiratory tract?
A) Nose, pharynx, and larynx
B) Pharynx, larynx, and trachea
C) Trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs
D) Alveoli, bronchioles, and diaphragm
Correct Answer: Trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs
Rationale: The LRT contains structures within the chest cavity. It begins with
the trachea, which branches into the bronchial tree and ends in the lungs.
The diaphragm is a muscle, not part of the LRT..
5. What term describes a substance released from mast cells and white
blood cells during inflammation and allergic reactions, which is responsible
for most symptoms of asthma and COPD?
, A) Histamine
B) Prostaglandin
C) Chemical mediators
D) Cytokines
Correct Answer: Chemical mediators
Rationale: Chemical mediators are the specific substances released by mast
cells and leukocytes that produce airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction,
and mucus secretion in asthma and COPD..
6. Among the chemical mediators involved in asthma and COPD, which one
has a known drug therapy that improves patient symptoms?
A) Histamine
B) Bradykinin
C) Prostaglandin D2
D) Leukotrienes
Correct Answer: Leukotrienes
Rationale: Leukotrienes are potent bronchoconstrictors with a long duration
of action, and they also contribute to edema and inflammation. Leukotriene
inhibitors are used to block these effects and treat asthma..
7. A nursing student correctly identifies that emphysema is defined as:
A) A reversible narrowing of the bronchi
B) An inflammatory disease process primarily affecting the alveoli
C) A chronic inflammation of the trachea
Learning Q&A | Pharmacology
1. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
A) To deliver carbon dioxide to the cells of the body and remove oxygen
B) To deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide
C) To regulate blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation
D) To filter particulate matter from inhaled air only
Correct Answer: To deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove
carbon dioxide
Rationale: The main function of the respiratory system is two-fold: delivering
oxygen to the body’s cells and removing carbon dioxide from the body.. The
upper and lower respiratory tracts work together to accomplish this process,
which is essential for cellular metabolism and maintaining acid-base balance.
2. Which anatomical part is NOT considered part of the Upper Respiratory
Tract (URT)?
A) Nose
B) Nasopharynx
C) Larynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: Trachea
Rationale: The URT is located outside the chest cavity and includes the nose,
nasopharynx, and larynx. The trachea is part of the Lower Respiratory Tract
(LRT), which also includes the bronchial tree and lungs..
,3. Which microscopic sacs within the lungs are responsible for the exchange
of oxygen and carbon dioxide?
A) Bronchioles
B) Alveoli
C) Pleura
D) Cilia
Correct Answer: Alveoli
Rationale: Alveoli are the tiny, grape-like sacs where gas exchange occurs.
Oxygen diffuses across the alveolar membrane into the blood, while carbon
dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled..
4. According to the diagram of the respiratory tract, which organs are
included in the lower respiratory tract?
A) Nose, pharynx, and larynx
B) Pharynx, larynx, and trachea
C) Trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs
D) Alveoli, bronchioles, and diaphragm
Correct Answer: Trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs
Rationale: The LRT contains structures within the chest cavity. It begins with
the trachea, which branches into the bronchial tree and ends in the lungs.
The diaphragm is a muscle, not part of the LRT..
5. What term describes a substance released from mast cells and white
blood cells during inflammation and allergic reactions, which is responsible
for most symptoms of asthma and COPD?
, A) Histamine
B) Prostaglandin
C) Chemical mediators
D) Cytokines
Correct Answer: Chemical mediators
Rationale: Chemical mediators are the specific substances released by mast
cells and leukocytes that produce airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction,
and mucus secretion in asthma and COPD..
6. Among the chemical mediators involved in asthma and COPD, which one
has a known drug therapy that improves patient symptoms?
A) Histamine
B) Bradykinin
C) Prostaglandin D2
D) Leukotrienes
Correct Answer: Leukotrienes
Rationale: Leukotrienes are potent bronchoconstrictors with a long duration
of action, and they also contribute to edema and inflammation. Leukotriene
inhibitors are used to block these effects and treat asthma..
7. A nursing student correctly identifies that emphysema is defined as:
A) A reversible narrowing of the bronchi
B) An inflammatory disease process primarily affecting the alveoli
C) A chronic inflammation of the trachea
