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NUR 5461 Advanced Pathophysiology — Module 3 Concepts and Alterations
of the Pulmonary System: Quiz Bank
Course: NUR 5461 Advanced Pathophysiology
Institution: William Paterson University — Department of
Nursing
Module: 3 of 7
Required Text: McCance, K. L., Huether, S. E., Brashers, V. L., &
Rote, N. S. (2019/2023). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for
disease in adults and children (8th/9th ed.). Mosby Elsevier
Module 3 Overview: This module covers the structure and
function of the pulmonary system and the pathophysiology of
respiratory alterations, including obstructive and restrictive lung
diseases, infections, vascular disorders, and respiratory failure.
Students must understand gas exchange, ventilation-perfusion
relationships, acid-base regulation, and the clinical
manifestations of pulmonary disease.
SECTION A: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE PULMONARY
SYSTEM
1. Which statement is true regarding the pulmonary system?
A. The left lobe is divided into three lobes
B. Each lobe is divided into bronchi
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C. The mediastinum contains the lungs and heart
D. The larynx connects the upper and lower airways
Answer: D
Rationale: The larynx connects the upper airway (pharynx) to
the lower airway (trachea). The right lung has three lobes; the
left has two. Each lobe is divided into segments, not bronchi.
The mediastinum contains the heart, great vessels, and other
structures, but not the lungs.
2. Which statement is true regarding the lower airways?
A. The trachea bifurcates at the larynx
B. The trachea has no supportive structure
C. The right and left main bronchi enter the lungs at the hila
D. The goblet cells are air-filled cells
Answer: C
Rationale: The right and left main bronchi enter the lungs at the
hila, along with pulmonary vessels. The trachea bifurcates at
the carina (not the larynx) and is supported by C-shaped
cartilage rings. Goblet cells are mucus-secreting cells, not air-
filled.
3. What process describes the exchange of carbon dioxide for
oxygen?
A. Ventilation
B. Respiration
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C. Circulation
D. Alveolar ventilation
Answer: B
Rationale: Respiration is the process of gas exchange: oxygen
uptake and carbon dioxide elimination at the alveoli. Ventilation
is the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Circulation is
blood flow. Alveolar ventilation is the volume of air reaching the
alveoli per minute.
4. Which receptor monitors the pH, partial pressure of CO₂
(PaCO₂), and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) in arterial blood?
A. Stretch receptors
B. Irritant receptors
C. J-receptors
D. Central chemoreceptors
Answer: D
Rationale: Central chemoreceptors in the medulla monitor pH,
PaCO₂, and PaO₂ in arterial blood and cerebrospinal fluid. They
are the primary regulators of breathing. Stretch receptors
monitor lung inflation; irritant receptors respond to noxious
stimuli; J-receptors respond to alveolar congestion.
5. Which physiologic alteration is present in an individual with
emphysema?
A. Increased airway resistance
B. Increased compliance
NUR 5461 Advanced Pathophysiology — Module 3 Concepts and Alterations
of the Pulmonary System: Quiz Bank
Course: NUR 5461 Advanced Pathophysiology
Institution: William Paterson University — Department of
Nursing
Module: 3 of 7
Required Text: McCance, K. L., Huether, S. E., Brashers, V. L., &
Rote, N. S. (2019/2023). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for
disease in adults and children (8th/9th ed.). Mosby Elsevier
Module 3 Overview: This module covers the structure and
function of the pulmonary system and the pathophysiology of
respiratory alterations, including obstructive and restrictive lung
diseases, infections, vascular disorders, and respiratory failure.
Students must understand gas exchange, ventilation-perfusion
relationships, acid-base regulation, and the clinical
manifestations of pulmonary disease.
SECTION A: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE PULMONARY
SYSTEM
1. Which statement is true regarding the pulmonary system?
A. The left lobe is divided into three lobes
B. Each lobe is divided into bronchi
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
C. The mediastinum contains the lungs and heart
D. The larynx connects the upper and lower airways
Answer: D
Rationale: The larynx connects the upper airway (pharynx) to
the lower airway (trachea). The right lung has three lobes; the
left has two. Each lobe is divided into segments, not bronchi.
The mediastinum contains the heart, great vessels, and other
structures, but not the lungs.
2. Which statement is true regarding the lower airways?
A. The trachea bifurcates at the larynx
B. The trachea has no supportive structure
C. The right and left main bronchi enter the lungs at the hila
D. The goblet cells are air-filled cells
Answer: C
Rationale: The right and left main bronchi enter the lungs at the
hila, along with pulmonary vessels. The trachea bifurcates at
the carina (not the larynx) and is supported by C-shaped
cartilage rings. Goblet cells are mucus-secreting cells, not air-
filled.
3. What process describes the exchange of carbon dioxide for
oxygen?
A. Ventilation
B. Respiration
, https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
C. Circulation
D. Alveolar ventilation
Answer: B
Rationale: Respiration is the process of gas exchange: oxygen
uptake and carbon dioxide elimination at the alveoli. Ventilation
is the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Circulation is
blood flow. Alveolar ventilation is the volume of air reaching the
alveoli per minute.
4. Which receptor monitors the pH, partial pressure of CO₂
(PaCO₂), and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) in arterial blood?
A. Stretch receptors
B. Irritant receptors
C. J-receptors
D. Central chemoreceptors
Answer: D
Rationale: Central chemoreceptors in the medulla monitor pH,
PaCO₂, and PaO₂ in arterial blood and cerebrospinal fluid. They
are the primary regulators of breathing. Stretch receptors
monitor lung inflation; irritant receptors respond to noxious
stimuli; J-receptors respond to alveolar congestion.
5. Which physiologic alteration is present in an individual with
emphysema?
A. Increased airway resistance
B. Increased compliance
