,NU 545 Physio-Pathological Basis of Advanced
Nursing Unit 5 Exam Study Guide University of
South Alabama Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs
2026/2027
1. A graduate nursing student is reviewing the structure of the alveoli. Which type of alveolar
cell provides the structural framework for gas exchange?
A. Alveolar type I cells
B. Alveolar type II cells
C. Alveolar macrophages
D. Goblet cells
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alveolar type I cells are extremely thin, squamous epithelial cells that form the
primary barrier for gas exchange. They provide the structural foundation for the alveolar walls,
allowing for efficient diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Alveolar type II cells secrete
surfactant, and alveolar macrophages are phagocytic cells.
2. Which type of alveolar cell is responsible for the production and secretion of surfactant?
A. Alveolar type I cells
B. Alveolar type II cells
C. Alveolar macrophages
,D. Ciliated epithelial cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alveolar type II cells are specialized pneumocytes responsible for synthesizing and
secreting pulmonary surfactant, a phospholipid-rich substance that reduces surface tension
within the alveoli, preventing their collapse. This function is critical for maintaining alveolar
stability.
3. A preterm infant born at 28 weeks of gestation is at risk for respiratory distress syndrome.
What is the underlying mechanism of this condition?
A. Excessive surfactant production
B. Insufficient surfactant production
C. Increased airway resistance
D. Alveolar hyperinflation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Surfactant production begins around 20-24 weeks of gestation and is secreted into
fetal airways by 30 weeks. A preterm infant born at 28 weeks has insufficient surfactant
production, leading to increased alveolar surface tension, alveolar collapse (atelectasis), and
respiratory distress syndrome.
, 4. Which law describes the relationship between pressure, surface tension, and the radius of a
sphere, and explains why smaller alveoli require greater pressure to inflate?
A. Boyle's law
B. Charles's law
C. Law of Laplace
D. Dalton's law
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Law of Laplace states that P = 2T/r, where P is the pressure required to inflate a
sphere, T is surface tension, and r is the radius. Smaller alveoli (smaller r) require greater
pressure to overcome surface tension and remain open. This principle is critical for
understanding alveolar collapse and the role of surfactant.
5. A nurse is reviewing the mechanics of breathing. Which of the following structures are
considered major accessory muscles of respiration?
A. Diaphragm and external intercostals
B. Sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles
C. Abdominal muscles and internal intercostals
D. Pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi
Correct Answer: A
Nursing Unit 5 Exam Study Guide University of
South Alabama Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs
2026/2027
1. A graduate nursing student is reviewing the structure of the alveoli. Which type of alveolar
cell provides the structural framework for gas exchange?
A. Alveolar type I cells
B. Alveolar type II cells
C. Alveolar macrophages
D. Goblet cells
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alveolar type I cells are extremely thin, squamous epithelial cells that form the
primary barrier for gas exchange. They provide the structural foundation for the alveolar walls,
allowing for efficient diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Alveolar type II cells secrete
surfactant, and alveolar macrophages are phagocytic cells.
2. Which type of alveolar cell is responsible for the production and secretion of surfactant?
A. Alveolar type I cells
B. Alveolar type II cells
C. Alveolar macrophages
,D. Ciliated epithelial cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alveolar type II cells are specialized pneumocytes responsible for synthesizing and
secreting pulmonary surfactant, a phospholipid-rich substance that reduces surface tension
within the alveoli, preventing their collapse. This function is critical for maintaining alveolar
stability.
3. A preterm infant born at 28 weeks of gestation is at risk for respiratory distress syndrome.
What is the underlying mechanism of this condition?
A. Excessive surfactant production
B. Insufficient surfactant production
C. Increased airway resistance
D. Alveolar hyperinflation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Surfactant production begins around 20-24 weeks of gestation and is secreted into
fetal airways by 30 weeks. A preterm infant born at 28 weeks has insufficient surfactant
production, leading to increased alveolar surface tension, alveolar collapse (atelectasis), and
respiratory distress syndrome.
, 4. Which law describes the relationship between pressure, surface tension, and the radius of a
sphere, and explains why smaller alveoli require greater pressure to inflate?
A. Boyle's law
B. Charles's law
C. Law of Laplace
D. Dalton's law
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Law of Laplace states that P = 2T/r, where P is the pressure required to inflate a
sphere, T is surface tension, and r is the radius. Smaller alveoli (smaller r) require greater
pressure to overcome surface tension and remain open. This principle is critical for
understanding alveolar collapse and the role of surfactant.
5. A nurse is reviewing the mechanics of breathing. Which of the following structures are
considered major accessory muscles of respiration?
A. Diaphragm and external intercostals
B. Sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles
C. Abdominal muscles and internal intercostals
D. Pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi
Correct Answer: A
