Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System (10 Questions)

A 58-year-old man is admitted to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident. He suffered a direct blow to the anterior neck, raising concerns about potential laryngeal trauma. The emergency physician suspects an injury to the cartilaginous structures of the larynx. The team begins discussing the anatomy of the larynx, and a nursing instructor present at the scene decides to review respiratory anatomy with their students. They ask, “Considering the context of the injury and our discussion, which of the following descriptions regarding the larynx is correct?”

A 76-year-old woman with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents to the emergency department with acute exacerbation of her symptoms. She is in obvious respiratory distress with increased work of breathing. The physician orders a bronchodilator to help alleviate her symptoms. As the nursing student prepares to administer the medication via a nebulizer, the attending physician, wanting to gauge the student’s understanding of the respiratory anatomy and the drug’s pathway, poses a question: “To ensure this medication has its desired effect and reaches the distal airways, it’s crucial to comprehend the order of the respiratory passageways from largest to smallest. Can you tell me the correct sequence?”

A 42-year-old man is recovering from a thoracic surgery that was performed to remove a lung nodule. The procedure went smoothly, but during his recovery, he expressed concerns about his lung’s function and anatomy. Eager to understand more about the structure of his lungs and how it relates to his post-operative recovery, he initiates a conversation with the nurse. The nurse sees this as an opportunity to educate him about the respiratory system. After discussing the lungs’ anatomical aspects, the nurse aims to assess his understanding by asking, “Considering what we discussed and keeping in mind the intricacies of the right lung, can you tell me: “The right lung has ___ lobes and ___ bronchopulmonary segments.” Fill in the blanks.

A 68-year-old patient with a long history of smoking is admitted to the respiratory unit due to increased shortness of breath and suspected pleural effusion. A chest X-ray has been ordered to assess the lungs and pleural spaces. As the nurse and the student nurse review the X-ray image together, the student nurse observes a thin, hazy line surrounding the lung tissue. Seizing the educational moment, the nurse, aiming to assess the student’s comprehension of the anatomical structures of the thoracic cavity, asks, “The pleura that directly covers the surface of the lungs is called…?”

A 25-year-old athlete is recovering from a rib injury sustained during a sporting event. The rehabilitation therapist has been focusing on exercises to improve chest wall movement and ensure optimal respiratory function. During a therapy session, the nursing instructor and her student observe the session, noting the emphasis on proper breathing techniques. The therapist discusses the significance of various respiratory muscles in aiding the athlete’s recovery. Later, in a bid to gauge the student’s grasp on respiratory muscle anatomy and its relation to the observed therapy, the instructor poses the question: “The muscles of inspiration include the diaphragm and internal intercostal muscles. Is this statement accurate?”

A 35-year-old asthmatic patient is admitted to the respiratory ward for a severe asthma exacerbation. The medical team is considering mechanical ventilation due to persistent hypercapnia and respiratory fatigue. The attending physician is explaining the principles of positive pressure ventilation to a group of interns. Noticing the nurse nearby, the physician wants to make sure everyone in the team has a solid grasp of respiratory physiology to understand the importance of managing ventilatory settings effectively. The physician posits: “Consider this basic concept of respiratory physiology: During the expiratory phase, a reduction in thoracic volume leads to elevated alveolar pressure, facilitating the expulsion of air from the lungs. Is this statement accurate?”

A 56-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The primary goal is to improve her exercise tolerance and overall lung function. On one of her visits, the respiratory therapist employs a spirometer to measure various aspects of the patient’s lung volumes and capacities. While reviewing the measurements, the therapist mentions the volume of air that the patient breathes in and out during quiet breathing. The therapist then turns to a nursing student observing the session and says, “For most individuals without respiratory conditions, this specific volume, which represents the air inspired or expired with each breath under normal resting conditions, typically amounts to about 500 milliliters (mL). Can you tell me the term for this volume?”

A 38-year-old male patient visits a healthcare clinic with complaints of a severe sore throat, nasal congestion, and a general feeling of malaise for the past three days. He mentions a history of recurrent upper respiratory infections. The nurse practitioner, suspecting a possible infection affecting the pharyngeal region, decides to systematically examine the divisions of the pharynx to identify the source of inflammation and discomfort. Turning to a nursing intern shadowing her for the day, she poses a quick question to test her understanding, “Given the patient’s complaints and our need for a structured examination, can you tell me the correct sequence in which we should assess the divisions of the pharynx from superior to inferior?”

A 43-year-old music teacher is at the clinic for her annual physical examination. She mentions a history of recurrent sinus infections that tend to flare up, especially during the cold season. The infections sometimes impact her ability to sing and teach due to the associated nasal congestion and change in voice resonance. The nurse, aiming to provide comprehensive patient education, takes the opportunity to discuss the functions and significance of the paranasal sinuses. After giving an overview, the nurse challenges the patient with a question, “I’ve shared some facts about the paranasal sinuses. Can you identify which of the following statements is NOT true about them?”

A 50-year-old gentleman comes into a specialist’s office complaining of chronic nasal congestion and reduced sense of smell. He’s been trying over-the-counter nasal sprays, but the relief has been transient. Upon detailed inspection using a nasal speculum and light, the healthcare provider observes swollen tissues but also takes note of the prominent bony ridges on the lateral walls of the nasal cavity. These structures are integral for warming and humidifying inhaled air, as well as trapping particulates. Intending to test the medical student accompanying her on the rounds, the healthcare provider inquires, “Given their importance in nasal physiology, can you identify what these bony ridges are called?”