NR601 Midterm Exam 2026 Questions
and Answers
What are the 3 primary physiological changes of aging? - Correct answer-1.
Reduced physiological reserve of most body systems, esp. cardiac, resp, renal.
2. Reduced homeostatic mechanisms that fail to adjust regulatory systems (i.e.
temp control, fluid/lyte balance, etc.).
3. Impaired immunological function (infection risk is greater, autoimmune dz's
more prevalent)
What is the preferred amount of exercise for elderly? - Correct answer-30min/day
5 days/wk of moderate exercise.
If trying to lose wt: 60min/day.
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,What are PFTs? - Correct answer-Group of tests that provide quantifiable
measurement of lung function, used to dx resp abnormalities or assess
progression/resolution of lung dz.
What is FEV1? - Correct answer-Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (80-120%)
What is FVC? - Correct answer-Forced Vital Capacity (80-120%)
What is normal FEV1/FVC ratio? - Correct answer-<0.7 (70%)
What is GOLD 1 criteria? - Correct answer-Mild
FEV1 >/= 80% predicted
What is GOLD 2 criteria? - Correct answer-Moderate
FEV1 50-79% predicted
What is GOLD 3 criteria? - Correct answer-Severe
FEV1 30-49% predicted
What is GOLD 4 criteria? - Correct answer-Very severe
FEV1 <30% predicted
What are the signal symptoms of COPD? - Correct answer-Dyspnea
Chronic cough w/sputum
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,Decreased activity tolerance
Wheezing
What are characteristics of COPD? - Correct answer-Common, preventable,
treatable.
Characterized by persistent airflow limitation.
Usually progressive, associated with enhanced chronic inflammatory response in
airways and lungs to noxious particles/gases
Airway fibrosis, luminal plugs, airway inflammation, increased airway resistance,
small airway dz.
Decreased elastic recoil of alveoli.
What are risk factors for COPD? - Correct answer-Smoking (increasing w/number
of pack years)
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, Second hand smoke
Environmental pollution (endotoxins, coal dust, mineral dust)
What is seen on phys exam in COPD? - Correct answer-May be normal in early
states
As severity progresses: lung hyperinflation, decreased breath sounds, wheezes at
bases, distant heart tones (b/c of hyperinflation, so S1/S2 sounds off in distance),
accessory muscle use, pursed lip breathing, increased expiratory phase, neck vein
distention.
How is COPD diagnosed? - Correct answer-Spirometry is gold standard (pre and
post bronchodilator).
Irreversible airflow limitation is hallmark.
How is COPD treated? - Correct answer-Bronchodilators: beta agonists
(long/short), anticholinergics (long/short), or combo.
What is the MOA of beta agonists? - Correct answer-Stimulates beta-2-adrenergic
receptors, increasing cyclic AMP, resulting in relaxing airways.
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and Answers
What are the 3 primary physiological changes of aging? - Correct answer-1.
Reduced physiological reserve of most body systems, esp. cardiac, resp, renal.
2. Reduced homeostatic mechanisms that fail to adjust regulatory systems (i.e.
temp control, fluid/lyte balance, etc.).
3. Impaired immunological function (infection risk is greater, autoimmune dz's
more prevalent)
What is the preferred amount of exercise for elderly? - Correct answer-30min/day
5 days/wk of moderate exercise.
If trying to lose wt: 60min/day.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,What are PFTs? - Correct answer-Group of tests that provide quantifiable
measurement of lung function, used to dx resp abnormalities or assess
progression/resolution of lung dz.
What is FEV1? - Correct answer-Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (80-120%)
What is FVC? - Correct answer-Forced Vital Capacity (80-120%)
What is normal FEV1/FVC ratio? - Correct answer-<0.7 (70%)
What is GOLD 1 criteria? - Correct answer-Mild
FEV1 >/= 80% predicted
What is GOLD 2 criteria? - Correct answer-Moderate
FEV1 50-79% predicted
What is GOLD 3 criteria? - Correct answer-Severe
FEV1 30-49% predicted
What is GOLD 4 criteria? - Correct answer-Very severe
FEV1 <30% predicted
What are the signal symptoms of COPD? - Correct answer-Dyspnea
Chronic cough w/sputum
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,Decreased activity tolerance
Wheezing
What are characteristics of COPD? - Correct answer-Common, preventable,
treatable.
Characterized by persistent airflow limitation.
Usually progressive, associated with enhanced chronic inflammatory response in
airways and lungs to noxious particles/gases
Airway fibrosis, luminal plugs, airway inflammation, increased airway resistance,
small airway dz.
Decreased elastic recoil of alveoli.
What are risk factors for COPD? - Correct answer-Smoking (increasing w/number
of pack years)
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, Second hand smoke
Environmental pollution (endotoxins, coal dust, mineral dust)
What is seen on phys exam in COPD? - Correct answer-May be normal in early
states
As severity progresses: lung hyperinflation, decreased breath sounds, wheezes at
bases, distant heart tones (b/c of hyperinflation, so S1/S2 sounds off in distance),
accessory muscle use, pursed lip breathing, increased expiratory phase, neck vein
distention.
How is COPD diagnosed? - Correct answer-Spirometry is gold standard (pre and
post bronchodilator).
Irreversible airflow limitation is hallmark.
How is COPD treated? - Correct answer-Bronchodilators: beta agonists
(long/short), anticholinergics (long/short), or combo.
What is the MOA of beta agonists? - Correct answer-Stimulates beta-2-adrenergic
receptors, increasing cyclic AMP, resulting in relaxing airways.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
