NCLEX : Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Respiratory System

In the average adult, how much air remains in the dead space of the lung after normal expiration?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Dead space is the volume of air that remains in the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles during respiration. It does not enter the alveoli and so does not participate in gas exchange. In the average adult, the amount of air left in the dead space after expiration is

Example Question #12 : Respiratory System

What is the average volume of air breathed into and out of the respiratory system during tidal breathing?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Tidal breathing is the term for relaxed inhalation and exhalation (as opposed to maximum inspiration and forced exhalation). The average volume of air breathed into and out of the respiratory system during tidal breathing is

Example Question #13 : Respiratory System

Which of the following would cause bronchioconstriction?

Possible Answers:

Parasympathetic imput

Allergens

All of these cause bronchioconstriction

Cold air 

Correct answer:

All of these cause bronchioconstriction

Explanation:

There are many factors that can cause bronchioconstriction. Some of them are normal physiological responses, such as parasympathetic input or decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the alveoli. Other causes are pathological, such as allergic bronchioconstriction or asthma triggered by cold air.

Example Question #14 : Respiratory System

What are the two types of alveolar cells?

Possible Answers:

A cells and B cells

Type I and type II

Interstitial cells and active cells

Primary and secondary cells

Correct answer:

Type I and type II

Explanation:

There are two types of alveolar cells: type I cells and type II cells. Each cell type has a unique function within the alveolus, and the dysfunction of either cell type results in serious respiratory pathology. Type I cells are simple squamous epithelial cells that account for about 95% of all alveolar cells. They are the primary cells responsible for diffusion of gasses across the respiratory membranes. Type I alveolar cells are responsible for secreting surfactant, which facilitates the diffusion of substances across the epithelium.

Example Question #15 : Respiratory System

When the diaphragm contracts, lung volume __________.

Possible Answers:

diffuses

increases

decreases

compresses

Correct answer:

increases

Explanation:

The diaphragm is a thin sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. At rest, it is drawn upward into a dome-like shape under the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, the dome flattens out, which increases the size of the thoracic cavity. The negative pressure allows the lungs to expand and fill with air, causing an increase in total lung volume (inhalation). 

Example Question #1 : Upper Respiratory Tract

What chamber of the upper respiratory tract is shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems?

Possible Answers:

The esophagus

The soft palate

The pharynx

The sinuses

Correct answer:

The pharynx

Explanation:

The only chamber of the upper respiratory tract that is shared by both the respiratory and the digestive systems is the pharynx. The pharynx is the part of the throat that is immediately posterior to the mouth and the nasal cavity, and superior to the trachea, larynx, and esophagus. 

Example Question #2 : Upper Respiratory Tract

Which of the following is not a division of the pharynx?

Possible Answers:

The oropharynx

The laryngopharynx

The sinopharynx

The nasopharynx

Correct answer:

The sinopharynx

Explanation:

The pharynx is made up of three divisions: the laryngopharynx, the oropharynx, and the nasopharynx. There is no portion of the pharynx called the sinopharynx. 

Example Question #612 : Nclex

Which of the following pairs of sinus is absent at birth, and is not fully developed until puberty?

Possible Answers:

The frontal sinus

The maxillary sinus

The ethmoid sinus

The sphenoid sinus

Correct answer:

The frontal sinus

Explanation:

The frontal sinuses are not present at birth. They begin to develop in the first few years of life, but they are not fully mature until after adolescence. The sphenoid, maxillary, and ethmoid sinuses are present at birth, though they are underdeveloped and similarly do not mature fully till late childhood or adolescence. 

Example Question #3 : Upper Respiratory Tract

Which of the following is a flap of cartilage that covers the opening of the windpipe during swallowing to prevent aspiration?

Possible Answers:

The tracheal cartilage

The hyoid

The cricoid cartilage

The epiglottis

Correct answer:

The epiglottis

Explanation:

The small flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe to prevent aspiration during swallowing is the epiglottis. It is located at the base of the tongue and attached to the entrance of the larynx.

Example Question #614 : Nclex

Which of the following maintains the lumen of the trachea?

Possible Answers:

Air pressure within the respiratory tract

The cervical spine

The tracheal cartilages

The infrahyoid muscles

Correct answer:

The tracheal cartilages

Explanation:

The lumen of the trachea is maintained by the tracheal cartilages, a set of approximately 20 separate c-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage. The non-continuous cartilage allows for greater flexibility during inspiration and expiration.  

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