CARE OF OLDER ADULTS RESPIRATORY EXAM ACTUAL TEST PAPER QUESTIONS
CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A PLUS
CARE OF Older Adults Respiratory EXAM Study
Guide Questions and Answers Verified Solutions
Latest Update 2026/2027
Question:
● upper respiratory tract parts
Answer:
nose, pharynx, adenoids, tonsils, epiglotties, larynx & trachea
Question:
● lower respiratory tract
Answer:
bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveoli
Question:
● primary purpose of respiratory system
Answer:
gas exchange, which involves transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide between atmosphere and blood
Question:
● how is respirations achieved
Answer:
through the coordination of chemical control & respiratory muscles Extrapulmonary factors
(thoracic cage & muscles) and intrapulmonary factors (lung tissue/parenchyma) affect respiratory
function Therefore, the structures of the chest wall (ribs, pleura, and respiratory muscles) are
essential to respiration
,Question:
● Age related changes in structure in function ----- DO NOT memorize for test
Answer:
- ribs become less mobile and chest walla compliance decreases osteoporosis and calcification of
costal cartilage lead to increased rigidity and stiffness of thoracic cage progressive loss of elastic
recoil of lungs parenchyma and conducting airways and reduce elastic recoil of lung and opposing
forces of chest wall lung become less elastic as collagen substances surrounding alveoli and alveolar
ducts stiffen and form cords linkages that interfere with elastic properties of ling s muscle strength
declines with age and respiratory muscles weakness respiratory rate generally are faster and more
shallow decrease in surface area alvalibel for gas exchange which contributes to systemic reduction
in partial pressure of arterial oxygen decrease In number of effectiveness of cilia in tracheobronchial
tree decrease immunoglobulin A (igA) in nasal respiratroy muscle surface that helps fight viruses
oxygen carry capacity of blood reduces PaO2 drops 1mmHg per year Ventilatroy response to
hypoxia and hypercapnia may be diminished by 50% vital capacity is decreased (maximum air that
can be inhaled from person after maximum exhalation)
Question:
● risk factors affecting lung function
Answer:
- exercise and immobility smoking obesity sleep anesthesia and surgery environmental factors
occupations kyphosis and poor posture decline in immune system and host defense mechanism
Question:
● common respiratory system in OA
Answer:
- Alterations in breathing patterns, dyspnea, and coughing Physiologic responses to hypoxemia and
hypercapnia are blunted in older patients; compensatory changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and
blood pressure may be delayed and cerebral perfusion may suffer. An early sign of respiratory
problems is a change in mental status including subtle increases in forgetfulness and irritability.
Dyspnea at rest is most often associated with acute respiratory or cardiac illness. Dyspnea on
exertion may be related to immobility and respiratory muscle deconditioning. Cough mechanism in
older patients is altered because of loss of elastic recoil and decreased respiratory muscle strength.
, Question:
● Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases consist of what two disease
Answer:
- chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Question:
● COPD patho
Answer:
"Umbrella Term" used to describe the progressive airflow limitation that is not fully reversible
where lung tissue becomes abnormally inflamed (Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema) COPD is
progressive and irreversible and may be accompanied by airway hyperactivity and ultimately fatal
Question:
● COPD disease processes
Answer:
airflow limitation, air trapping, gas exchange abnormalities, and mucus hypersecretion
Question:
● pathology COPD
Answer:
> Air is able to enter the alveoli during inspiration, but it cannot exit upon exhalation, therefore air
becomes trapped > Stale air cannot leave lungs, increasing residual volume, which adversely affects
gas exchange > The end result is poorly oxygenated blood and less efficient tissue perfusion > CO2
cannot be adequately removed leading to accumulation and which acid/base imbalance? respiratory
acidosis -> the body will compensate by making extra cells (more RBC to carry oxygen) but this
doesnt work because it thickens blood
Question:
● chronic bronchitis characterized by
CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A PLUS
CARE OF Older Adults Respiratory EXAM Study
Guide Questions and Answers Verified Solutions
Latest Update 2026/2027
Question:
● upper respiratory tract parts
Answer:
nose, pharynx, adenoids, tonsils, epiglotties, larynx & trachea
Question:
● lower respiratory tract
Answer:
bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveoli
Question:
● primary purpose of respiratory system
Answer:
gas exchange, which involves transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide between atmosphere and blood
Question:
● how is respirations achieved
Answer:
through the coordination of chemical control & respiratory muscles Extrapulmonary factors
(thoracic cage & muscles) and intrapulmonary factors (lung tissue/parenchyma) affect respiratory
function Therefore, the structures of the chest wall (ribs, pleura, and respiratory muscles) are
essential to respiration
,Question:
● Age related changes in structure in function ----- DO NOT memorize for test
Answer:
- ribs become less mobile and chest walla compliance decreases osteoporosis and calcification of
costal cartilage lead to increased rigidity and stiffness of thoracic cage progressive loss of elastic
recoil of lungs parenchyma and conducting airways and reduce elastic recoil of lung and opposing
forces of chest wall lung become less elastic as collagen substances surrounding alveoli and alveolar
ducts stiffen and form cords linkages that interfere with elastic properties of ling s muscle strength
declines with age and respiratory muscles weakness respiratory rate generally are faster and more
shallow decrease in surface area alvalibel for gas exchange which contributes to systemic reduction
in partial pressure of arterial oxygen decrease In number of effectiveness of cilia in tracheobronchial
tree decrease immunoglobulin A (igA) in nasal respiratroy muscle surface that helps fight viruses
oxygen carry capacity of blood reduces PaO2 drops 1mmHg per year Ventilatroy response to
hypoxia and hypercapnia may be diminished by 50% vital capacity is decreased (maximum air that
can be inhaled from person after maximum exhalation)
Question:
● risk factors affecting lung function
Answer:
- exercise and immobility smoking obesity sleep anesthesia and surgery environmental factors
occupations kyphosis and poor posture decline in immune system and host defense mechanism
Question:
● common respiratory system in OA
Answer:
- Alterations in breathing patterns, dyspnea, and coughing Physiologic responses to hypoxemia and
hypercapnia are blunted in older patients; compensatory changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and
blood pressure may be delayed and cerebral perfusion may suffer. An early sign of respiratory
problems is a change in mental status including subtle increases in forgetfulness and irritability.
Dyspnea at rest is most often associated with acute respiratory or cardiac illness. Dyspnea on
exertion may be related to immobility and respiratory muscle deconditioning. Cough mechanism in
older patients is altered because of loss of elastic recoil and decreased respiratory muscle strength.
, Question:
● Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases consist of what two disease
Answer:
- chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Question:
● COPD patho
Answer:
"Umbrella Term" used to describe the progressive airflow limitation that is not fully reversible
where lung tissue becomes abnormally inflamed (Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema) COPD is
progressive and irreversible and may be accompanied by airway hyperactivity and ultimately fatal
Question:
● COPD disease processes
Answer:
airflow limitation, air trapping, gas exchange abnormalities, and mucus hypersecretion
Question:
● pathology COPD
Answer:
> Air is able to enter the alveoli during inspiration, but it cannot exit upon exhalation, therefore air
becomes trapped > Stale air cannot leave lungs, increasing residual volume, which adversely affects
gas exchange > The end result is poorly oxygenated blood and less efficient tissue perfusion > CO2
cannot be adequately removed leading to accumulation and which acid/base imbalance? respiratory
acidosis -> the body will compensate by making extra cells (more RBC to carry oxygen) but this
doesnt work because it thickens blood
Question:
● chronic bronchitis characterized by
