,UT Tyler NURS 5350 Exam 3 | Advanced Pathophysiology
(2026) Q&A
1. Which of the following best describes the primary pathophysiological mechanism
of asthma?
A) Irreversible destruction of alveolar walls
B) Chronic inflammation with reversible bronchoconstriction
C) Fibrotic thickening of the alveolar septa
D) Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space
Correct Answer: Chronic inflammation with reversible bronchoconstriction
Rationale: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized
by reversible bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and mucus
production. It is triggered by allergens, exercise, or irritants. Emphysema involves
irreversible alveolar destruction, and pulmonary fibrosis causes restrictive lung
disease.
2. What is the primary function of surfactant in the alveoli?
A) To increase surface tension and promote alveolar collapse
B) To reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse
C) To facilitate oxygen diffusion across the alveolar membrane
D) To stimulate mucus production in the airways
Correct Answer: To reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse
,Rationale: Surfactant is produced by type II pneumocytes and reduces surface
tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse during expiration. A deficiency of
surfactant, as seen in respiratory distress syndrome, leads to atelectasis and impaired
gas exchange. It does not directly facilitate diffusion.
3. Which term refers to a painless enlargement of the terminal phalanges of the
fingers and toes that develops over time due to chronic hypoxia?
A) Clubbing
B) Cyanosis
C) Koilonychia
D) Leukonychia
Correct Answer: Clubbing
Rationale: Clubbing is a painless enlargement of the terminal phalanges with
increased nail curvature, developing over weeks to months. It is associated with
chronic hypoxia from conditions such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and congenital heart
disease. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin.
4. According to pathophysiological principles, what is the primary difference between
hypoxemia and hypoxia?
A) Hypoxemia is low arterial blood oxygen content, while hypoxia is inadequate
oxygen in tissues
B) Hypoxemia is inadequate oxygen in tissues, while hypoxia is low arterial blood
oxygen content
C) Hypoxemia is elevated carbon dioxide, while hypoxia is low oxygen
D) Hypoxemia is a pH imbalance, while hypoxia is an electrolyte imbalance
, Correct Answer: Hypoxemia is low arterial blood oxygen content, while hypoxia is
inadequate oxygen in tissues
Rationale: Hypoxemia refers specifically to a decrease in the partial pressure of
oxygen in arterial blood. Hypoxia is a broader term indicating inadequate oxygen
supply at the tissue level. Hypoxemia can lead to hypoxia, but hypoxia can also occur
without hypoxemia, such as in cyanide poisoning.
5. A researcher is studying respiratory physiology. Which term describes the presence
of air or gas in the pleural space?
A) Pneumothorax
B) Hemothorax
C) Pleural effusion
D) Empyema
Correct Answer: Pneumothorax
Rationale: Pneumothorax is the presence of air or gas in the pleural space, which
can cause lung collapse. Hemothorax is blood in the pleural space, pleural effusion is
fluid accumulation, and empyema is pus in the pleural space. Tension pneumothorax
is a life-threatening variant.
6. Which type of pneumothorax occurs when the site of pleural rupture acts as a one-
way valve, permitting air to enter on inspiration but preventing its escape during
expiration?
A) Open pneumothorax
B) Tension pneumothorax
C) Spontaneous pneumothorax
D) Iatrogenic pneumothorax
(2026) Q&A
1. Which of the following best describes the primary pathophysiological mechanism
of asthma?
A) Irreversible destruction of alveolar walls
B) Chronic inflammation with reversible bronchoconstriction
C) Fibrotic thickening of the alveolar septa
D) Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space
Correct Answer: Chronic inflammation with reversible bronchoconstriction
Rationale: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized
by reversible bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and mucus
production. It is triggered by allergens, exercise, or irritants. Emphysema involves
irreversible alveolar destruction, and pulmonary fibrosis causes restrictive lung
disease.
2. What is the primary function of surfactant in the alveoli?
A) To increase surface tension and promote alveolar collapse
B) To reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse
C) To facilitate oxygen diffusion across the alveolar membrane
D) To stimulate mucus production in the airways
Correct Answer: To reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse
,Rationale: Surfactant is produced by type II pneumocytes and reduces surface
tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse during expiration. A deficiency of
surfactant, as seen in respiratory distress syndrome, leads to atelectasis and impaired
gas exchange. It does not directly facilitate diffusion.
3. Which term refers to a painless enlargement of the terminal phalanges of the
fingers and toes that develops over time due to chronic hypoxia?
A) Clubbing
B) Cyanosis
C) Koilonychia
D) Leukonychia
Correct Answer: Clubbing
Rationale: Clubbing is a painless enlargement of the terminal phalanges with
increased nail curvature, developing over weeks to months. It is associated with
chronic hypoxia from conditions such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and congenital heart
disease. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin.
4. According to pathophysiological principles, what is the primary difference between
hypoxemia and hypoxia?
A) Hypoxemia is low arterial blood oxygen content, while hypoxia is inadequate
oxygen in tissues
B) Hypoxemia is inadequate oxygen in tissues, while hypoxia is low arterial blood
oxygen content
C) Hypoxemia is elevated carbon dioxide, while hypoxia is low oxygen
D) Hypoxemia is a pH imbalance, while hypoxia is an electrolyte imbalance
, Correct Answer: Hypoxemia is low arterial blood oxygen content, while hypoxia is
inadequate oxygen in tissues
Rationale: Hypoxemia refers specifically to a decrease in the partial pressure of
oxygen in arterial blood. Hypoxia is a broader term indicating inadequate oxygen
supply at the tissue level. Hypoxemia can lead to hypoxia, but hypoxia can also occur
without hypoxemia, such as in cyanide poisoning.
5. A researcher is studying respiratory physiology. Which term describes the presence
of air or gas in the pleural space?
A) Pneumothorax
B) Hemothorax
C) Pleural effusion
D) Empyema
Correct Answer: Pneumothorax
Rationale: Pneumothorax is the presence of air or gas in the pleural space, which
can cause lung collapse. Hemothorax is blood in the pleural space, pleural effusion is
fluid accumulation, and empyema is pus in the pleural space. Tension pneumothorax
is a life-threatening variant.
6. Which type of pneumothorax occurs when the site of pleural rupture acts as a one-
way valve, permitting air to enter on inspiration but preventing its escape during
expiration?
A) Open pneumothorax
B) Tension pneumothorax
C) Spontaneous pneumothorax
D) Iatrogenic pneumothorax
