Question 1

A crooked nasal septum or deviated septum can cause
A) compromise of the air passage.
B) increased tendency to sinusitis.
C) cosmetic concern.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

A deviated septum causes narrowing and obstruction of the air passage, making breathing somewhat difficult.

Question 2

The Epstein-Barr virus is the cause of
A) infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS).
B) COPD.
C) infectious mononucleosis.
D) adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Accepted Answer

The two main symptoms of this infection are lymphadenopathy and fever that typically peaks in the afternoon. Initially, symptoms are vague. They include general malaise, anorexia, and chills. As the infection progresses, symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue, and cervical and generalized lymphadenopathy; the tonsils may appear coated with debris. The syndrome causes a mild transient hepatitis and atypical lymphocytosis.

Question 3

Growths that form from distended mucous membranes protruding into the nasal cavity are called
A) adenoid hypertrophy.
B) lymphadenopathy.
C) nasal polyps.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Surgical removal is the treatment of choice; however, considerable relief may be obtained through the injection of a steroid directly into the polyps.

Question 4

_____ is a destructive disease of the alveoli and the adjacent capillary walls resulting in chronic dyspnea, cough, and the characteristic barrel chest.
A) Emphysema
B) Bronchiectasis
C) Pneumoconiosis
D) Pneumothorax

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary emphysema, a destructive disease of the alveolar septa, interferes with both the breathing process and gas exchange in the lungs. Alveoli become enlarged, which precipitates destruction of the alveolar walls and damage to the adjacent capillary walls. As a result of the decreased area for gas exchange and the trapped air, the patient experiences dyspnea.

Question 5

Permanent, irreversible dilation or distortion of the bronchi, resulting from destruction of muscular bronchial wall, describes
A) emphysema.
B) bronchiectasis.
C) pneumoconiosis.
D) pneumothorax.

Accepted Answer

Bronchiectasis, a condition that takes many years to develop, is usually bilateral and involves the lower lobes of the lungs. A chronic cough producing large quantities of purulent, foul-smelling sputum is the main symptom of bronchiectasis. Pulmonary emphysema, a destructive disease of the alveolar septa, interferes with both the breathing process and gas exchange in the lungs. Alveoli become enlarged, which precipitates destruction of the alveolar walls and damage to the adjacent capillary walls. As a result of the decreased area for gas exchange and the trapped air, the patient experiences dyspnea.

Question 6

The treatment of sinusitis may include
A) antibiotics, decongestants, and antihistamines.
B) allergy testing, immunotherapy, and corticosteroids.
C) sinusotomy.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Sinusitis can be caused by either viral, fungal, or, more commonly, bacterial infections that travel to the sinuses from the nose, often after the patient has been infected by a common cold. This occurs easily because the mucous membranes that line the nasal cavity extend into and also line the sinuses. Treatment of sinusitis can include saline nasal spray, corticosteroid nasal sprays, broad-spectrum antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, and decongestants.

Question 7

The common cold is a group of minor illnesses caused by
A) fungi.
B) bacteria.
C) almost 200 viruses or from Mycoplasma.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Some colds may result from Mycoplasma and other atypical organisms that are more like bacteria than viruses. There is no cure for a cold. Resting, drinking plenty of fluids, using a vaporizer, and taking over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants, and mild analgesics can give temporary relief of symptoms.

Question 8

Atelectasis, an airless or collapsed state of pulmonary tissue, may result from
A) obstruction in the bronchial tree.
B) prolonged inactivity.
C) failure to breathe deeply postoperatively.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Atelectasis is caused by an obstruction in the bronchial tree; this can be a mucus plug, foreign body, or bronchogenic cancer. Compression atelectasis results when a tumor exerts pressure on the lung and does not allow air to enter that part. Inflammatory pulmonary disease can result in accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity (pleural effusion) and induce atelectasis.

Question 9

The common symptom of a tumor of the larynx is
A) dysphonia.
B) hemoptysis.
C) stridor.
D) exsanguination.

Accepted Answer

Dysphonia is usually the only symptom of a tumor on the larynx. Hoarseness caused by a benign tumor is usually intermittent, whereas hoarseness caused by cancer is continuous and gradually becomes worse. Cancer of the larynx almost always can be cured if it is diagnosed early.

Question 10

Causes of epistaxis are
A) direct trauma or foreign body.
B) hypertension or other systemic disorders.
C) hemophilia and leukemia.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Direct trauma to the nose, picking the nose, and the presence of a foreign body are the most common causes of epistaxis. Nasal hemorrhage also has been encountered in relation to many systemic disorders, such as measles, scarlet fever, pertussis, rheumatic fever, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and chronic renal disease. Epistaxis may be the foremost symptom of conditions, such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, and leukemia.

Question 11

Occupational diseases that cause progressive, chronic inflammation and infection in the lungs from inhalation of inorganic dust are termed
A) emphysema.
B) bronchiectasis.
C) pneumoconiosis.
D) pneumothorax.

Accepted Answer

Pneumoconiosis means dust in the lungs resulting in interstitial lung disease. It refers to a number of occupational diseases that cause progressive, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and infection in the lungs. Asbestos fibers, carbon deposits, or quartz dust inhaled are mineral causes of interstitial lung disease. Other workers who are also susceptible to dust diseases are those who work with aluminum, beryllium, iron, cotton, sugar cane, and a number of synthetic fibers.

Question 12

The primary function(s) of the pulmonary system is/are
A) atelectasis and anosmia.
B) ventilation and respiration.
C) hemoptysis.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Respiration maintains life by supplying oxygen to organs, tissues, and cells and allowing for the removal of carbon dioxide (a waste product of metabolism). This process is made possible by ventilation (the bellowslike action of the chest) and healthy lung tissue that is adequately perfused with blood.

Question 13

The maintenance of the acid-base balance of the blood is linked to the function of the lungs and the
A) kidneys.
B) adrenal glands.
C) nervous system.
D) bronchial tubes.

Accepted Answer

The lungs, along with the kidneys, have a major metabolic function: the maintenance of acid-base (pH) balance of the blood. The kidneys work to adjust bicarbonate in the blood in response to carbon dioxide.

Question 14

The pneumonialike disease caused by bacteria that thrive in warm aquatic environments and are inhaled from moisture droplets in air conditioning units is called
A) histoplasmosis.
B) pulmonary abscess.
C) flail chest.
D) Legionella infection.

Accepted Answer

This infection can evolve in two different forms: the more severe Legionnaires' disease and the milder form, Pontiac fever. Legionnaires' disease, an acute respiratory tract infection, produces severe pneumonialike symptoms or possibly fatal pneumonia.

Question 15

A collection of air or gas in the pleural cavity, resulting in a collapsed lung, describes a condition called
A) emphysema.
B) bronchiectasis.
C) pneumoconiosis.
D) pneumothorax.

Accepted Answer

Collapse of a lung causes severe shortness of breath, sudden and sharp chest pain, falling blood pressure, rapid weak pulse, and shallow and weak respirations. The patient may be cyanotic and appear anxious. Hemothorax is the accumulation of blood and fluid in the pleural cavity. Blood enters the pleural space as the result of trauma, erosion of a pulmonary vessel, or hematologic disorders. This causes the lung to collapse. A hemothorax is life threatening and requires emergency medical care.

Question 16

A double fracture of three or more adjacent ribs resulting in instability in the chest wall describes a patient with
A) histoplasmosis.
B) pulmonary abscess.
C) flail chest.
D) Legionella infection.

Accepted Answer

Direct trauma to the chest wall that fractures three or more adjacent ribs is the cause of flail chest. This trauma may be from direct compression by a heavy object, a motor vehicle accident (especially injury by the steering wheel), a hard fall onto a solid object, or an industrial accident.

Question 17

Stasis of blood flow from immobility, injury to a vessel, or predisposition to clot formation increases the risk of
A) pulmonary embolism.
B) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
C) emphysema.
D) all of the above.

Accepted Answer

The most common symptom of acute pulmonary embolism is the sudden onset of dyspnea and chest pain when the embolism enters the pulmonary circulation and interrupts the blood flow. (Of note is that the symptoms of pneumonia vary but will sometimes mimic pulmonary embolism; thus, focus on the differential diagnosis will enable the course of medical action required.)

Question 18

An area of contained infectious material in the lung is known as
A) histoplasmosis.
B) pulmonary abscess.
C) flail chest.
D) Legionella infection.

Accepted Answer

Lung abscesses are often a complication of pneumonia caused by bacteria. Aspiration of food, a foreign object, bronchial stenosis, or neoplasms may cause pulmonary abscesses to form. Background factors include periodontal disease, gingivitis, sinus infection, intravenous (IV) drug abuse, and general anesthesia or other causes of reduced levels of consciousness.

Question 19

_____ is a fungal disease originating in the lungs, with the greatest occurrence in the Midwestern United States.
A) Histoplasmosis
B) Pulmonary abscess
C) Flail chest
D) Legionella infection

Accepted Answer

Histoplasmosis may cause pneumonia or may become systemic. Many patients with histoplasmosis are asymptomatic at onset; it is not contagious. Histoplasmosis is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which is carried by dust and is inhaled. It is the most common endemic mycosis in the United States.

Question 20

Facts about health hazards attributed to toxic mold include which of the following?
A) Mold exposure always presents a health problem.
B) A constant supply of moisture is not necessarily required for mold growth.
C) People with decreased immunity, allergies, or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections.
D) Moldy items do not need to be discarded.

Accepted Answer

Individuals who have decreased immunity, such as those with AIDS or those with underlying lung disease or chronic diseases, are more susceptible to fungal infections and allergic pneumonitis. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal. Recommendations for preventing mold infestation include ensuring adequate ventilation, using paint with mold inhibitors, cleaning bathrooms with mold-killing products, and promptly removing flooded carpets.

Quiz 9: Diseases and Conditions of the Respiratory System

A crooked nasal septum or deviated septum can cause

The Epstein-Barr virus is the cause of

Growths that form from distended mucous membranes protruding into the nasal cavity are called

_____ is a destructive disease of the alveoli and the adjacent capillary walls resulting in chronic dyspnea, cough, and the characteristic barrel chest.

Permanent, irreversible dilation or distortion of the bronchi, resulting from destruction of muscular bronchial wall, describes

The treatment of sinusitis may include

The common cold is a group of minor illnesses caused by

Atelectasis, an airless or collapsed state of pulmonary tissue, may result from

The common symptom of a tumor of the larynx is

Causes of epistaxis are

Occupational diseases that cause progressive, chronic inflammation and infection in the lungs from inhalation of inorganic dust are termed

The primary function(s) of the pulmonary system is/are

The maintenance of the acid-base balance of the blood is linked to the function of the lungs and the

The pneumonialike disease caused by bacteria that thrive in warm aquatic environments and are inhaled from moisture droplets in air conditioning units is called

A collection of air or gas in the pleural cavity, resulting in a collapsed lung, describes a condition called

A double fracture of three or more adjacent ribs resulting in instability in the chest wall describes a patient with

Stasis of blood flow from immobility, injury to a vessel, or predisposition to clot formation increases the risk of

An area of contained infectious material in the lung is known as

_____ is a fungal disease originating in the lungs, with the greatest occurrence in the Midwestern United States.

Facts about health hazards attributed to toxic mold include which of the following?