South College Pathophysiology Exam 2 PRN1520 Chapter 5,
10, 18, 13, 8 Questions | 2026/2027 | Answers Correct | With
Complete Solutions
What is hypercapnia?
Elevated CO₂ levels in the blood → stimulates increased
respirations.
What is hypoxemia?
→ A marked decrease in oxygen in the blood that stimulates
chemoreceptors.
What is hypocapnia?
Low CO₂ levels in the blood, often caused by hyperventilation.
What does hypocapnia lead too
Respiratory Alkalosis
What is the hypoxic drive?
When chronic CO₂ retention causes the body to rely on low O₂
levels to stimulate breathing.
What law explains how gases move independently along their
pressure gradients?
Dalton's Law
What factors impair gas diffusion across the alveolar
membrane?
, Fluid accumulation, thickened membrane, reduced surface area,
or poor ventilation-perfusion match.
What percentage of oxygen is dissolved in plasma?
About 1%.
What percentage of carbon dioxide is dissolved in plasma?
About 7%.
What diagnostic test measures pulmonary volumes and airflow
times?
Spirometry (PFT).
What does arterial blood gas (ABG) testing evaluate?
O₂, CO₂, bicarbonate, and pH levels.
What does radiography help diagnose in respiratory disease?
Tumors, infections, and structural abnormalities.
What does bronchoscopy allow clinicians to do?
Visualize airways, perform biopsies, and locate bleeding or
lesions.
What is the most common cause of the common cold?
→ Viral infection (over 200 possible viruses)
What is a major complication of influenza?
Secondary bacterial pneumonia, which is often the cause of
flu-related deaths.
What happens to the alveoli in pneumonia?
10, 18, 13, 8 Questions | 2026/2027 | Answers Correct | With
Complete Solutions
What is hypercapnia?
Elevated CO₂ levels in the blood → stimulates increased
respirations.
What is hypoxemia?
→ A marked decrease in oxygen in the blood that stimulates
chemoreceptors.
What is hypocapnia?
Low CO₂ levels in the blood, often caused by hyperventilation.
What does hypocapnia lead too
Respiratory Alkalosis
What is the hypoxic drive?
When chronic CO₂ retention causes the body to rely on low O₂
levels to stimulate breathing.
What law explains how gases move independently along their
pressure gradients?
Dalton's Law
What factors impair gas diffusion across the alveolar
membrane?
, Fluid accumulation, thickened membrane, reduced surface area,
or poor ventilation-perfusion match.
What percentage of oxygen is dissolved in plasma?
About 1%.
What percentage of carbon dioxide is dissolved in plasma?
About 7%.
What diagnostic test measures pulmonary volumes and airflow
times?
Spirometry (PFT).
What does arterial blood gas (ABG) testing evaluate?
O₂, CO₂, bicarbonate, and pH levels.
What does radiography help diagnose in respiratory disease?
Tumors, infections, and structural abnormalities.
What does bronchoscopy allow clinicians to do?
Visualize airways, perform biopsies, and locate bleeding or
lesions.
What is the most common cause of the common cold?
→ Viral infection (over 200 possible viruses)
What is a major complication of influenza?
Secondary bacterial pneumonia, which is often the cause of
flu-related deaths.
What happens to the alveoli in pneumonia?
