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Galen NUR 210 Exam 3 2026/2027 Principles of
Pharmacology Actual Exam Questions Verified Answers
Study Guide Grade A
1. What is the upper respiratory system composed of?
A. Bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
B. Nose down to the trachea, also referred to as "dead space"
C. Lungs and diaphragm
D. Pharynx and larynx only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The upper respiratory system extends from the nose down to the trachea
and is referred to as "dead space" because no gas exchange occurs there.
2. What does "dead space" mean in respiratory physiology?
A. Areas where oxygen is stored
B. No gas exchange; no oxygen or CO₂ exchange occurs
C. Spaces where air is trapped
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D. Areas of the lung that do not inflate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dead space refers to areas of the respiratory tract where no gas exchange
occurs, including the upper airways.
3. Why must nurses account for dead space when ventilating a patient?
A. Dead space accounts for 500 mL; adequate ventilation must overcome dead space for
proper gas exchange
B. Dead space increases oxygen demand
C. Dead space decreases tidal volume
D. Dead space causes carbon dioxide retention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dead space accounts for approximately 500 mL; when ventilating a patient,
this volume must be overcome to ensure adequate gas exchange.
4. What does the lower respiratory system consist of?
A. Nose, pharynx, and larynx
B. Bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
C. Trachea and bronchi
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D. Lungs only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The lower respiratory system consists of the bronchi, bronchioles, and
alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.
5. Where does gas exchange occur in the respiratory system?
A. Bronchi
B. Bronchioles
C. Alveoli
D. Trachea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, where oxygen moves into the blood and
carbon dioxide moves out.
6. What is ventilation?
A. The movement of oxygen from alveoli to blood
B. The inflow and outflow of air (breathing in and out)
C. The transport of oxygen in the blood
D. The exchange of gases at the cellular level
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ventilation includes the inflow and outflow of air—the mechanical process of
breathing.
7. What is flail chest?
A. Fracture of a single rib
B. Two or more breaks in the ribs causing paradoxical chest wall movement (chest sinks
on inspiration, expands on expiration)
C. Inflammation of the rib cartilage
D. Compression of the chest wall
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flail chest occurs when two or more ribs are fractured in multiple places,
causing paradoxical movement where the chest wall sinks during inspiration and
expands during expiration.
8. What is compliance in respiratory physiology?
A. The ability of the bronchioles to expand and contract; relates to alveoli
B. The rate of breathing
C. The volume of air moved per breath
Galen NUR 210 Exam 3 2026/2027 Principles of
Pharmacology Actual Exam Questions Verified Answers
Study Guide Grade A
1. What is the upper respiratory system composed of?
A. Bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
B. Nose down to the trachea, also referred to as "dead space"
C. Lungs and diaphragm
D. Pharynx and larynx only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The upper respiratory system extends from the nose down to the trachea
and is referred to as "dead space" because no gas exchange occurs there.
2. What does "dead space" mean in respiratory physiology?
A. Areas where oxygen is stored
B. No gas exchange; no oxygen or CO₂ exchange occurs
C. Spaces where air is trapped
,2|Page
D. Areas of the lung that do not inflate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dead space refers to areas of the respiratory tract where no gas exchange
occurs, including the upper airways.
3. Why must nurses account for dead space when ventilating a patient?
A. Dead space accounts for 500 mL; adequate ventilation must overcome dead space for
proper gas exchange
B. Dead space increases oxygen demand
C. Dead space decreases tidal volume
D. Dead space causes carbon dioxide retention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dead space accounts for approximately 500 mL; when ventilating a patient,
this volume must be overcome to ensure adequate gas exchange.
4. What does the lower respiratory system consist of?
A. Nose, pharynx, and larynx
B. Bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
C. Trachea and bronchi
,3|Page
D. Lungs only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The lower respiratory system consists of the bronchi, bronchioles, and
alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.
5. Where does gas exchange occur in the respiratory system?
A. Bronchi
B. Bronchioles
C. Alveoli
D. Trachea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, where oxygen moves into the blood and
carbon dioxide moves out.
6. What is ventilation?
A. The movement of oxygen from alveoli to blood
B. The inflow and outflow of air (breathing in and out)
C. The transport of oxygen in the blood
D. The exchange of gases at the cellular level
, 4|Page
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ventilation includes the inflow and outflow of air—the mechanical process of
breathing.
7. What is flail chest?
A. Fracture of a single rib
B. Two or more breaks in the ribs causing paradoxical chest wall movement (chest sinks
on inspiration, expands on expiration)
C. Inflammation of the rib cartilage
D. Compression of the chest wall
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flail chest occurs when two or more ribs are fractured in multiple places,
causing paradoxical movement where the chest wall sinks during inspiration and
expands during expiration.
8. What is compliance in respiratory physiology?
A. The ability of the bronchioles to expand and contract; relates to alveoli
B. The rate of breathing
C. The volume of air moved per breath
