Test Bank for Respiratory Care Anatomy and Physiology, 3rd
Edition by Beachey | Complete Exam Prep and Study Resource
| Verified A+ Questions with Answers and Rationales | 2025–
2026 Updated Respiratory System Review | For Respiratory
Therapy and Nursing S
Question 1: Which structure is primarily responsible for increasing the surface area of the nasal cavity
for air conditioning?
A) Nasal septum. Rationale: Incorrect. The septum divides the cavity but does not significantly increase
surface area.
B) Nares. Rationale: Incorrect. Nares are the external nostrils serving only as an entrance for air.
C) Turbinates. Rationale: Correct. The convoluted bony design of the turbinates greatly increases
mucosal surface area for heating, humidifying, and filtering.
D) Nasal fossae. Rationale: Incorrect. These are the general spaces within the nasal cavity, not the
surface-area-increasing structures.
Correct ANSWER: C
Question 2: What type of epithelium covers the posterior two-thirds of the nasal mucosa?
A) Squamous, nonciliated. Rationale: Incorrect. This lines the anterior third (vestibule) of the nose.
B) Simple squamous. Rationale: Incorrect. This is found in the alveoli for gas exchange, not the nasal
cavity.
C) Pseudostratified, ciliated columnar without glands. Rationale: Incorrect. The posterior nose
specifically requires mucus-secreting glands for proper function.
D) Pseudostratified, ciliated columnar with mucus-secreting glands. Rationale: Correct. This is the
respiratory mucosa, which traps and moves particles via the mucociliary escalator.
Correct ANSWER: D
Question 3: What is the primary filtering capacity limit of the nose for inhaled particles?
,A) 1 micrometer. Rationale: Incorrect. Particles this small easily bypass the nasal filter.
B) 3 micrometers. Rationale: Incorrect. These particles can reach the lower respiratory tract.
C) 4 micrometers. Rationale: Incorrect. While some are caught, many pass through the turbinates.
D) 5 micrometers and larger. Rationale: Correct. The nose is highly efficient; most particles larger than 5
micrometers are filtered out before reaching the lower airways.
Correct ANSWER: D
Question 4: When a patient is intubated with an endotracheal tube, which primary nasal function is lost?
A) Air-conditioning. Rationale: Correct. Intubation bypasses the upper airway, eliminating the heating
and humidifying functions, requiring artificial humidification.
B) Antibacterial. Rationale: Incorrect. While some local immunity is bypassed, air-conditioning is the
primary physiological loss impacting ventilation.
C) Antiinflammatory. Rationale: Incorrect. The nose does not have a primary antiinflammatory function
cited in intubation physiology.
D) Bactericidal. Rationale: Incorrect. Similar to antibacterial, this is not the main function lost that
dictates ventilator management.
Correct ANSWER: A
Question 5: Which lymphoid tissues make up Waldeyer’s ring in the pharynx?
A) Adenoid and nasal tonsils only. Rationale: Incorrect. This omits the major palatine and lingual tonsils.
B) Palatine and lingual tonsils only. Rationale: Incorrect. This omits the pharyngeal (adenoid) tonsils in
the nasopharynx.
C) Adenoid, palatine, and lingual tonsils. Rationale: Correct. These tissues form the pharyngeal lymphoid
ring, providing immune defense against inhaled pathogens.
D) Thymus and spleen. Rationale: Incorrect. These are systemic lymphoid organs, not located in the
pharynx.
Correct ANSWER: C
Question 6: What are the target temperature and relative humidity (RH) goals for humidification in
mechanical ventilation?
A) 35°C to 37°C and 100% RH. Rationale: Incorrect. This is the condition at the carina in a healthy person,
but the ventilator goal is slightly lower to prevent circuit condensation.
B) 35°C to 37°C and 80% RH. Rationale: Incorrect. 80% RH creates a humidity deficit, leading to thick,
tenacious secretions.
C) 32°C to 34°C and 80% RH. Rationale: Incorrect. While the temperature is acceptable, 80% RH is
inadequate for optimal mucociliary function.
,D) 32°C to 34°C and 100% RH. Rationale: Correct. This duplicates the heat and humidity conditions
normally existing at the proximal trachea in a nonintubated patient.
Correct ANSWER: D
Question 7: Which reflexes are primarily responsible for preventing aspiration of foreign material into
the lungs?
A) Laryngeal and pharyngeal. Rationale: Correct. The pharyngeal (gag) and laryngeal (cough/closure)
reflexes work together to protect the lower airway.
B) Laryngeal and carinal. Rationale: Incorrect. The carinal reflex is a lower airway defense and not the
primary first-line gateway protector.
C) Pharyngeal and carinal. Rationale: Incorrect. This omits the critical laryngeal reflex, which is the main
glottic protector.
D) Laryngeal and vocal cord. Rationale: Incorrect. The vocal cords are part of the larynx; this is
redundant and omits the pharyngeal reflex.
Correct ANSWER: A
Question 8: What is the most common threat to upper airway patency in a deeply unconscious patient?
A) Cervical spine movement. Rationale: Incorrect. A concern in trauma, but not the most common cause
of obstruction in general unconsciousness.
B) Bulbar paralysis. Rationale: Incorrect. A specific neurological deficit, not the most common
mechanical threat.
C) Neural compromise. Rationale: Incorrect. A broad term; the specific mechanical result is soft tissue
collapse.
D) Soft tissue obstruction. Rationale: Correct. Unconsciousness relaxes pharyngeal muscles, allowing the
base of the tongue to fall back and occlude the airway.
Correct ANSWER: D
Question 9: Which cartilage prevents food and liquid from entering the larynx during swallowing?
A) Thyroid cartilage. Rationale: Incorrect. Forms the anterior/lateral walls (Adam’s apple) but does not
cover the glottis.
B) Cricoid cartilage. Rationale: Incorrect. A complete ring below the thyroid cartilage; does not act as a
lid.
C) Epiglottis. Rationale: Correct. A leaf-shaped cartilage that folds down to cover the laryngeal inlet
during swallowing, preventing aspiration.
D) Arytenoid cartilages. Rationale: Incorrect. Attach to vocal cords and aid in phonation, not in covering
the laryngeal inlet.
Correct ANSWER: C
, Question 10: The true vocal cords are covered by which type of epithelium to withstand phonation
friction?
A) Pseudostratified ciliated columnar. Rationale: Incorrect. Lines the lower respiratory tract but would
be damaged by vocal cord vibration.
B) Simple squamous. Rationale: Incorrect. Too thin and fragile for the mechanical stress of phonation.
C) Stratified squamous. Rationale: Correct. This durable epithelium resists the friction and mechanical
stress of vocal cord vibration.
D) Transitional epithelium. Rationale: Incorrect. Found in the urinary tract, not the respiratory tract.
Correct ANSWER: C
Question 11: What is the characteristic shape of the tracheal cartilages?
A) Complete rings. Rationale: Incorrect. Complete rings would prevent esophageal expansion during
swallowing.
B) C-shaped, open posteriorly. Rationale: Correct. Provides anterior rigidity while the posterior
membranous portion allows the esophagus to expand.
C) U-shaped, open anteriorly. Rationale: Incorrect. The open portion is posterior, not anterior.
D) Irregular plates. Rationale: Incorrect. Irregular plates are characteristic of the bronchi, not the
trachea.
Correct ANSWER: B
Question 12: The carina is located at the tracheal bifurcation, corresponding to which anatomical
landmark?
A) The sternal notch. Rationale: Incorrect. Located much higher, at the T2 vertebral level.
B) The sternal angle (Angle of Louis). Rationale: Correct. The carina is located at the sternal angle,
corresponding to the T4-T5 vertebral level.
C) The xiphoid process. Rationale: Incorrect. Located much lower, at the T9-T10 level.
D) The clavicle. Rationale: Incorrect. Located superior to the sternal angle and tracheal bifurcation.
Correct ANSWER: B
Question 13: Which of the following describes the right mainstem bronchus compared to the left?
A) Narrower, longer, and more horizontal. Rationale: Incorrect. This accurately describes the left
mainstem bronchus.
B) Wider, shorter, and more vertical. Rationale: Correct. This anatomy makes the right mainstem
bronchus the most common site for aspirated foreign bodies to lodge.
C) Narrower, shorter, and more vertical. Rationale: Incorrect. It is wider, not narrower, than the left
mainstem bronchus.
Edition by Beachey | Complete Exam Prep and Study Resource
| Verified A+ Questions with Answers and Rationales | 2025–
2026 Updated Respiratory System Review | For Respiratory
Therapy and Nursing S
Question 1: Which structure is primarily responsible for increasing the surface area of the nasal cavity
for air conditioning?
A) Nasal septum. Rationale: Incorrect. The septum divides the cavity but does not significantly increase
surface area.
B) Nares. Rationale: Incorrect. Nares are the external nostrils serving only as an entrance for air.
C) Turbinates. Rationale: Correct. The convoluted bony design of the turbinates greatly increases
mucosal surface area for heating, humidifying, and filtering.
D) Nasal fossae. Rationale: Incorrect. These are the general spaces within the nasal cavity, not the
surface-area-increasing structures.
Correct ANSWER: C
Question 2: What type of epithelium covers the posterior two-thirds of the nasal mucosa?
A) Squamous, nonciliated. Rationale: Incorrect. This lines the anterior third (vestibule) of the nose.
B) Simple squamous. Rationale: Incorrect. This is found in the alveoli for gas exchange, not the nasal
cavity.
C) Pseudostratified, ciliated columnar without glands. Rationale: Incorrect. The posterior nose
specifically requires mucus-secreting glands for proper function.
D) Pseudostratified, ciliated columnar with mucus-secreting glands. Rationale: Correct. This is the
respiratory mucosa, which traps and moves particles via the mucociliary escalator.
Correct ANSWER: D
Question 3: What is the primary filtering capacity limit of the nose for inhaled particles?
,A) 1 micrometer. Rationale: Incorrect. Particles this small easily bypass the nasal filter.
B) 3 micrometers. Rationale: Incorrect. These particles can reach the lower respiratory tract.
C) 4 micrometers. Rationale: Incorrect. While some are caught, many pass through the turbinates.
D) 5 micrometers and larger. Rationale: Correct. The nose is highly efficient; most particles larger than 5
micrometers are filtered out before reaching the lower airways.
Correct ANSWER: D
Question 4: When a patient is intubated with an endotracheal tube, which primary nasal function is lost?
A) Air-conditioning. Rationale: Correct. Intubation bypasses the upper airway, eliminating the heating
and humidifying functions, requiring artificial humidification.
B) Antibacterial. Rationale: Incorrect. While some local immunity is bypassed, air-conditioning is the
primary physiological loss impacting ventilation.
C) Antiinflammatory. Rationale: Incorrect. The nose does not have a primary antiinflammatory function
cited in intubation physiology.
D) Bactericidal. Rationale: Incorrect. Similar to antibacterial, this is not the main function lost that
dictates ventilator management.
Correct ANSWER: A
Question 5: Which lymphoid tissues make up Waldeyer’s ring in the pharynx?
A) Adenoid and nasal tonsils only. Rationale: Incorrect. This omits the major palatine and lingual tonsils.
B) Palatine and lingual tonsils only. Rationale: Incorrect. This omits the pharyngeal (adenoid) tonsils in
the nasopharynx.
C) Adenoid, palatine, and lingual tonsils. Rationale: Correct. These tissues form the pharyngeal lymphoid
ring, providing immune defense against inhaled pathogens.
D) Thymus and spleen. Rationale: Incorrect. These are systemic lymphoid organs, not located in the
pharynx.
Correct ANSWER: C
Question 6: What are the target temperature and relative humidity (RH) goals for humidification in
mechanical ventilation?
A) 35°C to 37°C and 100% RH. Rationale: Incorrect. This is the condition at the carina in a healthy person,
but the ventilator goal is slightly lower to prevent circuit condensation.
B) 35°C to 37°C and 80% RH. Rationale: Incorrect. 80% RH creates a humidity deficit, leading to thick,
tenacious secretions.
C) 32°C to 34°C and 80% RH. Rationale: Incorrect. While the temperature is acceptable, 80% RH is
inadequate for optimal mucociliary function.
,D) 32°C to 34°C and 100% RH. Rationale: Correct. This duplicates the heat and humidity conditions
normally existing at the proximal trachea in a nonintubated patient.
Correct ANSWER: D
Question 7: Which reflexes are primarily responsible for preventing aspiration of foreign material into
the lungs?
A) Laryngeal and pharyngeal. Rationale: Correct. The pharyngeal (gag) and laryngeal (cough/closure)
reflexes work together to protect the lower airway.
B) Laryngeal and carinal. Rationale: Incorrect. The carinal reflex is a lower airway defense and not the
primary first-line gateway protector.
C) Pharyngeal and carinal. Rationale: Incorrect. This omits the critical laryngeal reflex, which is the main
glottic protector.
D) Laryngeal and vocal cord. Rationale: Incorrect. The vocal cords are part of the larynx; this is
redundant and omits the pharyngeal reflex.
Correct ANSWER: A
Question 8: What is the most common threat to upper airway patency in a deeply unconscious patient?
A) Cervical spine movement. Rationale: Incorrect. A concern in trauma, but not the most common cause
of obstruction in general unconsciousness.
B) Bulbar paralysis. Rationale: Incorrect. A specific neurological deficit, not the most common
mechanical threat.
C) Neural compromise. Rationale: Incorrect. A broad term; the specific mechanical result is soft tissue
collapse.
D) Soft tissue obstruction. Rationale: Correct. Unconsciousness relaxes pharyngeal muscles, allowing the
base of the tongue to fall back and occlude the airway.
Correct ANSWER: D
Question 9: Which cartilage prevents food and liquid from entering the larynx during swallowing?
A) Thyroid cartilage. Rationale: Incorrect. Forms the anterior/lateral walls (Adam’s apple) but does not
cover the glottis.
B) Cricoid cartilage. Rationale: Incorrect. A complete ring below the thyroid cartilage; does not act as a
lid.
C) Epiglottis. Rationale: Correct. A leaf-shaped cartilage that folds down to cover the laryngeal inlet
during swallowing, preventing aspiration.
D) Arytenoid cartilages. Rationale: Incorrect. Attach to vocal cords and aid in phonation, not in covering
the laryngeal inlet.
Correct ANSWER: C
, Question 10: The true vocal cords are covered by which type of epithelium to withstand phonation
friction?
A) Pseudostratified ciliated columnar. Rationale: Incorrect. Lines the lower respiratory tract but would
be damaged by vocal cord vibration.
B) Simple squamous. Rationale: Incorrect. Too thin and fragile for the mechanical stress of phonation.
C) Stratified squamous. Rationale: Correct. This durable epithelium resists the friction and mechanical
stress of vocal cord vibration.
D) Transitional epithelium. Rationale: Incorrect. Found in the urinary tract, not the respiratory tract.
Correct ANSWER: C
Question 11: What is the characteristic shape of the tracheal cartilages?
A) Complete rings. Rationale: Incorrect. Complete rings would prevent esophageal expansion during
swallowing.
B) C-shaped, open posteriorly. Rationale: Correct. Provides anterior rigidity while the posterior
membranous portion allows the esophagus to expand.
C) U-shaped, open anteriorly. Rationale: Incorrect. The open portion is posterior, not anterior.
D) Irregular plates. Rationale: Incorrect. Irregular plates are characteristic of the bronchi, not the
trachea.
Correct ANSWER: B
Question 12: The carina is located at the tracheal bifurcation, corresponding to which anatomical
landmark?
A) The sternal notch. Rationale: Incorrect. Located much higher, at the T2 vertebral level.
B) The sternal angle (Angle of Louis). Rationale: Correct. The carina is located at the sternal angle,
corresponding to the T4-T5 vertebral level.
C) The xiphoid process. Rationale: Incorrect. Located much lower, at the T9-T10 level.
D) The clavicle. Rationale: Incorrect. Located superior to the sternal angle and tracheal bifurcation.
Correct ANSWER: B
Question 13: Which of the following describes the right mainstem bronchus compared to the left?
A) Narrower, longer, and more horizontal. Rationale: Incorrect. This accurately describes the left
mainstem bronchus.
B) Wider, shorter, and more vertical. Rationale: Correct. This anatomy makes the right mainstem
bronchus the most common site for aspirated foreign bodies to lodge.
C) Narrower, shorter, and more vertical. Rationale: Incorrect. It is wider, not narrower, than the left
mainstem bronchus.
