,NURS 251 Module 5 Exam | Pharmacology | Portage
Learning | Q & A | 2026 Edition
1. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
A) To deliver carbon dioxide to the cells of the body and remove oxygen
B) To deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide
C) To regulate blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation
D) To filter particulate matter from inhaled air only
Correct Answer: To deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide
Rationale: The main function of the respiratory system is two-fold: delivering oxygen to the body's cells
and removing carbon dioxide from the body. The upper and lower respiratory tracts work together to
accomplish this process, which is essential for cellular metabolism and maintaining acid-base balance.
2. Name the microscopic sacs within the lungs that are the site where oxygen is exchanged for carbon
dioxide.
A) Bronchioles
B) Alveoli
C) Capillaries
D) Pleura
Correct Answer: Alveoli
Rationale: Alveoli are the microscopic air sacs within the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen
diffuses from the alveoli into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the
alveoli to be exhaled.
3. Which anatomical part is NOT considered part of the Upper Respiratory Tract (URT)?
A) Nose
B) Nasopharynx
,C) Larynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: Trachea
Rationale: The Upper Respiratory Tract is located outside the chest cavity and includes the nose,
nasopharynx, and larynx. The trachea is part of the Lower Respiratory Tract (LRT), which also includes
the bronchial tree and lungs.
4. Select the correct statement below regarding respiratory diseases.
A) COPD consists of both emphysema and asthma
B) Asthma is characterized by recurrent, irreversible shortness of breath
C) Emphysema is a disease process involving inflammation of the alveoli
D) Chronic bronchitis is reversible
Correct Answer: Emphysema is a disease process involving inflammation of the alveoli
Rationale: Emphysema is a disease process involving inflammation and destruction of the alveoli. COPD
consists primarily of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, while asthma is generally considered a
separate, more reversible condition.
5. What is the primary characteristic shared by asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis?
A) Inflammation of the upper airway
B) Reversible bronchospasm
C) Obstruction of airflow through the airways
D) Excessive production of thin mucus
Correct Answer: Obstruction of airflow through the airways
, Rationale: Although the underlying pathophysiology differs, all three diseases lead to narrowing or
obstruction of the lower airways. This obstruction limits the movement of air in and out of the lungs and
is the central problem in these conditions.
6. What is the term that describes leukotrienes?
A) Bronchodilators
B) Chemical mediators
C) Corticosteroids
D) Mast cell stabilizers
Correct Answer: Chemical mediators
Rationale: Leukotrienes are chemical mediators responsible for many of the symptoms and
complications of asthma and COPD. They are inflammatory molecules that contribute to
bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and airway edema.
7. True or False: Intrinsic asthma is caused by unknown factors.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: True
Rationale: Intrinsic asthma is caused by unknown factors and is not related to allergies. This
distinguishes it from extrinsic (allergic) asthma, which is triggered by identifiable allergens.
8. True or False: Intrinsic asthma is caused by allergies.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: False
Learning | Q & A | 2026 Edition
1. What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
A) To deliver carbon dioxide to the cells of the body and remove oxygen
B) To deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide
C) To regulate blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation
D) To filter particulate matter from inhaled air only
Correct Answer: To deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide
Rationale: The main function of the respiratory system is two-fold: delivering oxygen to the body's cells
and removing carbon dioxide from the body. The upper and lower respiratory tracts work together to
accomplish this process, which is essential for cellular metabolism and maintaining acid-base balance.
2. Name the microscopic sacs within the lungs that are the site where oxygen is exchanged for carbon
dioxide.
A) Bronchioles
B) Alveoli
C) Capillaries
D) Pleura
Correct Answer: Alveoli
Rationale: Alveoli are the microscopic air sacs within the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen
diffuses from the alveoli into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the
alveoli to be exhaled.
3. Which anatomical part is NOT considered part of the Upper Respiratory Tract (URT)?
A) Nose
B) Nasopharynx
,C) Larynx
D) Trachea
Correct Answer: Trachea
Rationale: The Upper Respiratory Tract is located outside the chest cavity and includes the nose,
nasopharynx, and larynx. The trachea is part of the Lower Respiratory Tract (LRT), which also includes
the bronchial tree and lungs.
4. Select the correct statement below regarding respiratory diseases.
A) COPD consists of both emphysema and asthma
B) Asthma is characterized by recurrent, irreversible shortness of breath
C) Emphysema is a disease process involving inflammation of the alveoli
D) Chronic bronchitis is reversible
Correct Answer: Emphysema is a disease process involving inflammation of the alveoli
Rationale: Emphysema is a disease process involving inflammation and destruction of the alveoli. COPD
consists primarily of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, while asthma is generally considered a
separate, more reversible condition.
5. What is the primary characteristic shared by asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis?
A) Inflammation of the upper airway
B) Reversible bronchospasm
C) Obstruction of airflow through the airways
D) Excessive production of thin mucus
Correct Answer: Obstruction of airflow through the airways
, Rationale: Although the underlying pathophysiology differs, all three diseases lead to narrowing or
obstruction of the lower airways. This obstruction limits the movement of air in and out of the lungs and
is the central problem in these conditions.
6. What is the term that describes leukotrienes?
A) Bronchodilators
B) Chemical mediators
C) Corticosteroids
D) Mast cell stabilizers
Correct Answer: Chemical mediators
Rationale: Leukotrienes are chemical mediators responsible for many of the symptoms and
complications of asthma and COPD. They are inflammatory molecules that contribute to
bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and airway edema.
7. True or False: Intrinsic asthma is caused by unknown factors.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: True
Rationale: Intrinsic asthma is caused by unknown factors and is not related to allergies. This
distinguishes it from extrinsic (allergic) asthma, which is triggered by identifiable allergens.
8. True or False: Intrinsic asthma is caused by allergies.
A) True
B) False
Correct Answer: False
