THIS EXAM INCLUDES:
• Complete NURS 251 Pharmacology Module 5 study module
• Comprehensive study set for review
• Practice questions with answer guidance
• Portage Learning NURS 251 review
• Module exam preparation
• Updated 2026 study material
• Convenient digital study resource
, NURS 251 Pharmacology Module 5 complete study module
with study set 2025 Portage Learning
Module 5
5.1 : Introduction to Pulmonology
The main function of the respiratory system is two-fold: (1) to deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and (2)
remove carbon dioxide from the body. This is accomplished through the combination of the upper respiratory
tract working in communication with the lower respiratory tract. A diagram of the anatomy of the respiratory
tract is shown in Figure 5.1. The upper respiratory tract (URT) is outside the chest cavity and includes the
nose, and nasopharynx (down to the larynx). The lower respiratory tract (LRT) includes the organs within the
chest including the trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs. When a person breathes in air, oxygen diffuses across
the alveoli (microscopic sacs) in the lungs where it is exchanged for carbon dioxide. The diffused oxygen is
then taken to the rest of the body through the circulatory system.
Figure 5.1 Anatomy of the Respiratory Tract. Above is a diagram of the anatomy of the respiratory tract broken down
between the Upper Respiratory Tract (URT) and the Lower Respiratory Tract (LRT).
There are several common diseases that affect the airways and this exchange of gas, the most common of
which are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Asthma is the general term for recurrent and reversible shortness of breath resulting from the narrowing of the
bronchi and bronchioles.
COPD consists of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema is a disease process involving inflammation of the alveoli.
Chronic Bronchitis is characterized by chronic inflammation or irritation on the lower respiratory tract,
specifically the bronchi.
• Complete NURS 251 Pharmacology Module 5 study module
• Comprehensive study set for review
• Practice questions with answer guidance
• Portage Learning NURS 251 review
• Module exam preparation
• Updated 2026 study material
• Convenient digital study resource
, NURS 251 Pharmacology Module 5 complete study module
with study set 2025 Portage Learning
Module 5
5.1 : Introduction to Pulmonology
The main function of the respiratory system is two-fold: (1) to deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and (2)
remove carbon dioxide from the body. This is accomplished through the combination of the upper respiratory
tract working in communication with the lower respiratory tract. A diagram of the anatomy of the respiratory
tract is shown in Figure 5.1. The upper respiratory tract (URT) is outside the chest cavity and includes the
nose, and nasopharynx (down to the larynx). The lower respiratory tract (LRT) includes the organs within the
chest including the trachea, bronchial tree, and lungs. When a person breathes in air, oxygen diffuses across
the alveoli (microscopic sacs) in the lungs where it is exchanged for carbon dioxide. The diffused oxygen is
then taken to the rest of the body through the circulatory system.
Figure 5.1 Anatomy of the Respiratory Tract. Above is a diagram of the anatomy of the respiratory tract broken down
between the Upper Respiratory Tract (URT) and the Lower Respiratory Tract (LRT).
There are several common diseases that affect the airways and this exchange of gas, the most common of
which are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Asthma is the general term for recurrent and reversible shortness of breath resulting from the narrowing of the
bronchi and bronchioles.
COPD consists of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema is a disease process involving inflammation of the alveoli.
Chronic Bronchitis is characterized by chronic inflammation or irritation on the lower respiratory tract,
specifically the bronchi.
