EXAM 2: NSG320 / NSG 320 (LATEST UPDATE 2025)
ADULT HEALTH NURSING I EXAM | QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS | 100% CORRECT | GRADE A -
GCU
What structures make up the upper respiratory tract?
.....ANSWER.....Nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.
What structures make up the lower respiratory tract?
.....ANSWER.....Trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.
How many lobes do the lungs have? .....ANSWER.....Right lung: 3
lobes; Left lung: 2 lobes.
What are the mechanics of inspiration?
.....ANSWER.....Diaphragm contracts → thoracic volume increases
→ air flows in.
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What are the mechanics of expiration?
.....ANSWER.....Diaphragm relaxes → thoracic volume decreases
→ air flows out.
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
.....ANSWER.....Gas exchange — oxygen in, carbon dioxide out.
Name 4 secondary functions of the respiratory system.
.....ANSWER.....Acid-base balance, vocalization, olfaction, immune
defense.
Which bronchus is more vertical and wider, increasing aspiration
risk? .....ANSWER.....The right bronchus.
What is the function of Type I alveolar cells? .....ANSWER.....Gas
exchange.
What is the function of Type II alveolar cells?
.....ANSWER.....Surfactant production.
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What is the pleura? .....ANSWER.....Double-layered membrane
with pleural fluid to reduce friction.
Where does gas exchange occur? .....ANSWER.....In the alveoli.
How is oxygen transported in the blood? .....ANSWER.....Bound to
hemoglobin in red blood cells.
How is carbon dioxide transported in the blood?
.....ANSWER.....As bicarbonate, dissolved in plasma, or bound to
hemoglobin.
What part of the brain controls breathing?
.....ANSWER.....Medulla oblongata and pons.
What do central chemoreceptors respond to? .....ANSWER.....CO₂
and pH levels.
What do peripheral chemoreceptors respond to?
.....ANSWER.....O₂ levels.