Question 1

What is a common indicator of cystic fibrosis in the newborn?

Accepted Answer

Failure to excrete meconium, known as meconium ileus, is a common indicator of cystic fibrosis in newborns. It occurs due to thick, sticky mucus blocking the intestines.

Question 2

Which of the following are significant signs of bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

Bronchiectasis is characterized by a chronic cough that produces large quantities of purulent (pus-containing) sputum due to the permanent dilation and damage of the bronchi.

Question 3

Persistent thick mucus in the bronchioles of a child with cystic fibrosis may cause:
1) air trapping.
2) atelectasis.
3) repeated infections.
4) irreversible damage to lung tissue.

Accepted Answer

Persistent thick mucus in cystic fibrosis can lead to air trapping due to blocked airways, atelectasis from collapsed lung segments, repeated infections due to mucus buildup providing a breeding ground for bacteria, and irreversible damage to lung tissue over time from chronic infection and inflammation.

Question 4

Destruction of alveolar walls and septae is a typical change in:

Accepted Answer

Emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls and septae, leading to enlarged air spaces and reduced surface area for gas exchange.

Question 5

Which of the following is typical of chronic bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the bronchial walls, leading to narrowed airways and increased mucus production.

Question 6

Which of the following predisposes to postoperative aspiration?

Accepted Answer

Vomiting caused by drugs or anesthesia can lead to aspiration if the contents of the stomach are regurgitated and enter the lungs.

Question 7

What is the pathophysiology of an acute attack of extrinsic asthma?

Accepted Answer

An acute attack of extrinsic asthma is primarily due to a hypersensitivity reaction where exposure to allergens leads to the release of chemical mediators like histamines and leukotrienes, causing bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

Question 8

A group of common chronic respiratory disorders characterized by tissue degeneration and respiratory obstruction is called:

Accepted Answer

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a group of common chronic respiratory disorders characterized by tissue degeneration and respiratory obstruction.

Question 9

Cigarette smoking predisposes to malignant neoplasms because smoking:

Accepted Answer

Cigarette smoking can cause metaplasia and dysplasia in the epithelium, which are precursors to malignant neoplasms.

Question 10

Which of the following is typical of progressive emphysema?

Accepted Answer

In progressive emphysema, the destruction of alveoli leads to air trapping, which increases the residual lung volume.

Question 11

What is a sign indicating total obstruction of the airway by aspirated material?

Accepted Answer

Rapid loss of consciousness is a sign indicating total obstruction of the airway by aspirated material.

Question 12

What are typical pathological changes with bronchiectasis?

Accepted Answer

Bronchiectasis is characterized by permanent dilation and weakening of the bronchial walls, often accompanied by airway obstructions due to mucus buildup.

Question 13

Which statement does NOT apply to emphysema?

Accepted Answer

The ventilation/perfusion ratio does not remain constant in emphysema; it is often disrupted due to the destruction of alveoli and capillaries, leading to mismatched ventilation and blood flow.

Question 14

Why does cor pulmonale develop with chronic pulmonary disease?

Accepted Answer

Chronic pulmonary disease often leads to pulmonary fibrosis and vasoconstriction, which increase the resistance in the pulmonary arteries, causing the right ventricle to work harder and potentially leading to cor pulmonale.

Question 15

During an acute asthma attack, how does respiratory obstruction occur?
1) Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle
2) Edema of the mucosa
3) Increased secretion of thick, tenacious mucus
4) Contraction of elastic fibers

Accepted Answer

During an acute asthma attack, respiratory obstruction occurs due to edema of the mucosa and increased secretion of thick, tenacious mucus.

Question 16

Restrictive lung disorders may be divided into two groups based on:

Accepted Answer

Restrictive lung disorders are categorized based on anatomical abnormalities (such as scoliosis) and lung disease damage (such as pulmonary fibrosis) that impair lung expansion.

Question 17

What is an early sign of bronchogenic carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Chronic cough is often one of the earliest symptoms of bronchogenic carcinoma, as the tumor can irritate the airways.

Question 18

Why does hypercalcemia occur with bronchogenic carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Bronchogenic carcinoma can lead to hypercalcemia through the secretion of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) by the tumor, which mimics the action of parathyroid hormone and increases calcium levels in the blood.

Question 19

What is the cause of chronic bronchitis?

Accepted Answer

Chronic bronchitis is primarily caused by chronic irritation, inflammation, and recurrent infection of the larger airways, often due to smoking or exposure to other irritants.

Question 20

What cause the expanded anteroposterior (A-P) thoracic diameter (barrel chest) in patients with emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Air trapping and hyperinflation in emphysema lead to an expanded anteroposterior thoracic diameter, commonly referred to as a barrel chest.

Quiz 13: Respiratory System Disorders