,South University NSG 5003 Week 5 Knowledge Check Quiz
| Adv Pathophysiology (2026) Q&A
1. Which pulmonary defense mechanism propels a mucous blanket that entraps
particles moving toward the oropharynx?
A) Nasal turbinates
B) Mucociliary escalator
C) Cough reflex
D) Alveolar macrophages
Correct Answer: Mucociliary escalator
Rationale: The mucociliary escalator is the primary defense mechanism in the
lower respiratory tract, where ciliated epithelial cells propel mucus containing
trapped particles upward toward the oropharynx for clearance. Nasal turbinates
filter larger particles, the cough reflex is a backup mechanism, and alveolar
macrophages phagocytize particles that reach the alveoli.
2. Which immunoglobulin is primarily responsible for contributing to the
pathophysiologic characteristics of asthma?
A) IgA
B) IgG
C) IgM
D) IgE
Correct Answer: IgE
,Rationale: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder often driven by a
Type I hypersensitivity response mediated by IgE. IgE binds to mast cells,
triggering degranulation and release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other
mediators that cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation.
3. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alveoli and respiratory
bronchioles fill with fluid as a result of which mechanism?
A) Compression of the pores of Kohn
B) Increased capillary permeability
C) Decreased oncotic pressure
D) Lymphatic obstruction
Correct Answer: Increased capillary permeability
Rationale: ARDS is characterized by diffuse alveolar damage and increased
pulmonary capillary permeability, leading to protein-rich fluid leaking into the
alveoli. This noncardiogenic pulmonary edema impairs gas exchange and causes
refractory hypoxemia. Compression of pores of Kohn, decreased oncotic pressure,
and lymphatic obstruction are not the primary mechanisms.
4. Which condition is characterized by permanent enlargement of the airspaces
accompanied by destruction of the alveolar walls?
A) Chronic bronchitis
B) Emphysema
C) Asthma
D) Pneumonia
Correct Answer: Emphysema
, Rationale: Emphysema is defined by permanent abnormal enlargement of the
airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole, accompanied by destruction of the
alveolar walls without obvious fibrosis. This leads to loss of elastic recoil and
airflow obstruction. Chronic bronchitis involves mucus hypersecretion, asthma
involves reversible bronchoconstriction, and pneumonia involves infection and
consolidation.
5. What is the primary acid-base disturbance in a patient with severe COPD
exacerbation?
A) Metabolic alkalosis
B) Respiratory alkalosis
C) Metabolic acidosis
D) Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: Respiratory acidosis
Rationale: Severe COPD exacerbation leads to alveolar hypoventilation and
carbon dioxide retention, causing respiratory acidosis. The kidneys may
compensate by retaining bicarbonate, but the primary disturbance is respiratory.
6. Which type of pneumonia is most commonly caused by aspiration of
oropharyngeal secretions?
A) Viral pneumonia
B) Fungal pneumonia
C) Aspiration pneumonia
D) Atypical pneumonia
| Adv Pathophysiology (2026) Q&A
1. Which pulmonary defense mechanism propels a mucous blanket that entraps
particles moving toward the oropharynx?
A) Nasal turbinates
B) Mucociliary escalator
C) Cough reflex
D) Alveolar macrophages
Correct Answer: Mucociliary escalator
Rationale: The mucociliary escalator is the primary defense mechanism in the
lower respiratory tract, where ciliated epithelial cells propel mucus containing
trapped particles upward toward the oropharynx for clearance. Nasal turbinates
filter larger particles, the cough reflex is a backup mechanism, and alveolar
macrophages phagocytize particles that reach the alveoli.
2. Which immunoglobulin is primarily responsible for contributing to the
pathophysiologic characteristics of asthma?
A) IgA
B) IgG
C) IgM
D) IgE
Correct Answer: IgE
,Rationale: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder often driven by a
Type I hypersensitivity response mediated by IgE. IgE binds to mast cells,
triggering degranulation and release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other
mediators that cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation.
3. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alveoli and respiratory
bronchioles fill with fluid as a result of which mechanism?
A) Compression of the pores of Kohn
B) Increased capillary permeability
C) Decreased oncotic pressure
D) Lymphatic obstruction
Correct Answer: Increased capillary permeability
Rationale: ARDS is characterized by diffuse alveolar damage and increased
pulmonary capillary permeability, leading to protein-rich fluid leaking into the
alveoli. This noncardiogenic pulmonary edema impairs gas exchange and causes
refractory hypoxemia. Compression of pores of Kohn, decreased oncotic pressure,
and lymphatic obstruction are not the primary mechanisms.
4. Which condition is characterized by permanent enlargement of the airspaces
accompanied by destruction of the alveolar walls?
A) Chronic bronchitis
B) Emphysema
C) Asthma
D) Pneumonia
Correct Answer: Emphysema
, Rationale: Emphysema is defined by permanent abnormal enlargement of the
airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole, accompanied by destruction of the
alveolar walls without obvious fibrosis. This leads to loss of elastic recoil and
airflow obstruction. Chronic bronchitis involves mucus hypersecretion, asthma
involves reversible bronchoconstriction, and pneumonia involves infection and
consolidation.
5. What is the primary acid-base disturbance in a patient with severe COPD
exacerbation?
A) Metabolic alkalosis
B) Respiratory alkalosis
C) Metabolic acidosis
D) Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: Respiratory acidosis
Rationale: Severe COPD exacerbation leads to alveolar hypoventilation and
carbon dioxide retention, causing respiratory acidosis. The kidneys may
compensate by retaining bicarbonate, but the primary disturbance is respiratory.
6. Which type of pneumonia is most commonly caused by aspiration of
oropharyngeal secretions?
A) Viral pneumonia
B) Fungal pneumonia
C) Aspiration pneumonia
D) Atypical pneumonia
