Respiratory Therapy Program First
Edition Comprehensive Test Bank by
John A. Smith, RRT
Respiratory Therapy Program, First Edition, by John A. Smith, RRT
PART 1 of 5: Foundations of Respiratory Care (Questions 1–100)
TABLE OF CONTENTS — PART 1
Chapter 1: Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology — Questions 1–15
Chapter 2: Patient Assessment and Clinical History — Questions 16–30
Chapter 3: Oxygen Therapy and Delivery Devices — Questions 31–45
Chapter 4: Medical Gas Therapy and Safety — Questions 46–60
Chapter 5: Humidity, Aerosol, and Bronchodilator Therapy — Questions 61–75
Chapter 6: Lung Expansion Therapy — Questions 76–85
Chapter 7: Bronchial Hygiene and Airway Clearance — Questions 86–95
Chapter 8: Respiratory Pharmacology — Questions 96–100
Chapter 1: Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology — Questions 1–15
Q1. Which structure is known as the voice box?
A. Pharynx
B. Larynx
C. Trachea
D. Epiglottis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The larynx, or voice box, contains the vocal cords and is responsible for sound
production. The pharynx is the throat, the trachea is the windpipe, and the epiglottis prevents food
from entering the airway.
,Q2. What is the primary muscle of inspiration?
A. External intercostals
B. Diaphragm
C. Internal intercostals
D. Abdominal muscles
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration. When it contracts, it flattens and
increases the vertical dimension of the thoracic cavity, creating negative pressure that draws air into
the lungs.
Q3. Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
A. Bronchi
B. Bronchioles
C. Alveoli
D. Trachea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs surrounded by capillaries.
Oxygen diffuses into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses out.
Q4. What is the function of surfactant?
A. To increase surface tension in the alveoli
B. To decrease surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse
C. To transport oxygen in the blood
D. To stimulate breathing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Surfactant is produced by type II alveolar cells and reduces surface tension,
preventing alveolar collapse at end-expiration. Without surfactant, atelectasis can occur.
,Q5. Which lung volume is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation?
A. Tidal volume
B. Inspiratory reserve volume
C. Residual volume
D. Expiratory reserve volume
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Residual volume (RV) is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal
exhalation. It cannot be exhaled and helps prevent lung collapse.
Q6. What is the normal range for adult respiratory rate?
A. 4–8 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 25–35 breaths/min
D. 40–60 breaths/min
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute. Rates outside this
range may indicate respiratory distress or other conditions.
Q7. Which part of the brain controls the involuntary drive to breathe?
A. Cerebellum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Hypothalamus
D. Pons
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The medulla oblongata contains the respiratory center that controls involuntary
breathing. It responds to changes in carbon dioxide, oxygen, and pH.
Q8. What is the term for the movement of air into and out of the lungs?
, A. Diffusion
B. Perfusion
C. Ventilation
D. Respiration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ventilation is the mechanical movement of air into and out of the lungs. Diffusion is
gas exchange, and perfusion is blood flow to the alveoli.
Q9. Which of the following is a function of the upper respiratory tract?
A. Gas exchange
B. Warming, humidifying, and filtering air
C. Producing surfactant
D. Detecting oxygen levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx) warms, humidifies, and filters inspired air
before it reaches the lower airways.
Q10. What is the normal pH range for arterial blood?
A. 6.8–7.2
B. 7.25–7.35
C. 7.35–7.45
D. 7.50–7.60
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Normal arterial blood pH is 7.35–7.45. Values below 7.35 indicate acidosis, and
values above 7.45 indicate alkalosis.
Q11. Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?
A. Epiglottis
Edition Comprehensive Test Bank by
John A. Smith, RRT
Respiratory Therapy Program, First Edition, by John A. Smith, RRT
PART 1 of 5: Foundations of Respiratory Care (Questions 1–100)
TABLE OF CONTENTS — PART 1
Chapter 1: Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology — Questions 1–15
Chapter 2: Patient Assessment and Clinical History — Questions 16–30
Chapter 3: Oxygen Therapy and Delivery Devices — Questions 31–45
Chapter 4: Medical Gas Therapy and Safety — Questions 46–60
Chapter 5: Humidity, Aerosol, and Bronchodilator Therapy — Questions 61–75
Chapter 6: Lung Expansion Therapy — Questions 76–85
Chapter 7: Bronchial Hygiene and Airway Clearance — Questions 86–95
Chapter 8: Respiratory Pharmacology — Questions 96–100
Chapter 1: Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology — Questions 1–15
Q1. Which structure is known as the voice box?
A. Pharynx
B. Larynx
C. Trachea
D. Epiglottis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The larynx, or voice box, contains the vocal cords and is responsible for sound
production. The pharynx is the throat, the trachea is the windpipe, and the epiglottis prevents food
from entering the airway.
,Q2. What is the primary muscle of inspiration?
A. External intercostals
B. Diaphragm
C. Internal intercostals
D. Abdominal muscles
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration. When it contracts, it flattens and
increases the vertical dimension of the thoracic cavity, creating negative pressure that draws air into
the lungs.
Q3. Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
A. Bronchi
B. Bronchioles
C. Alveoli
D. Trachea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs surrounded by capillaries.
Oxygen diffuses into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses out.
Q4. What is the function of surfactant?
A. To increase surface tension in the alveoli
B. To decrease surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse
C. To transport oxygen in the blood
D. To stimulate breathing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Surfactant is produced by type II alveolar cells and reduces surface tension,
preventing alveolar collapse at end-expiration. Without surfactant, atelectasis can occur.
,Q5. Which lung volume is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation?
A. Tidal volume
B. Inspiratory reserve volume
C. Residual volume
D. Expiratory reserve volume
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Residual volume (RV) is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal
exhalation. It cannot be exhaled and helps prevent lung collapse.
Q6. What is the normal range for adult respiratory rate?
A. 4–8 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 25–35 breaths/min
D. 40–60 breaths/min
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20 breaths per minute. Rates outside this
range may indicate respiratory distress or other conditions.
Q7. Which part of the brain controls the involuntary drive to breathe?
A. Cerebellum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Hypothalamus
D. Pons
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The medulla oblongata contains the respiratory center that controls involuntary
breathing. It responds to changes in carbon dioxide, oxygen, and pH.
Q8. What is the term for the movement of air into and out of the lungs?
, A. Diffusion
B. Perfusion
C. Ventilation
D. Respiration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ventilation is the mechanical movement of air into and out of the lungs. Diffusion is
gas exchange, and perfusion is blood flow to the alveoli.
Q9. Which of the following is a function of the upper respiratory tract?
A. Gas exchange
B. Warming, humidifying, and filtering air
C. Producing surfactant
D. Detecting oxygen levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx) warms, humidifies, and filters inspired air
before it reaches the lower airways.
Q10. What is the normal pH range for arterial blood?
A. 6.8–7.2
B. 7.25–7.35
C. 7.35–7.45
D. 7.50–7.60
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Normal arterial blood pH is 7.35–7.45. Values below 7.35 indicate acidosis, and
values above 7.45 indicate alkalosis.
Q11. Which structure prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing?
A. Epiglottis
