Chapter 09: Mucus-Controlling Drug Therapy

Chapter 09: Mucus-Controlling Drug Therapy

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which of the following are functions of mucus in the body?
2. Lubrication
3. Improvement of gas exchange
4. Waterproofing
5. Protection from inflammation

ANS:  C

Mucus lubricates the airways, acts to “waterproof” the airways by forming a gel layer that floats over a water periciliary layer, and provides protection from inflammation by forming a boundary between the airway and potential irritants. Mucus does not act to improve gas exchange; overproduction or difficulty clearing mucus may prove detrimental to gas exchange.

REF:   p. 150

2. Diseases with hypersecretion or poor clearance of secretions include which of the following?
3. Cystic fibrosis
4. Pneumonia
5. Congestive heart failure
6. Primary ciliary dyskinesia

ANS:  D

Cystic fibrosis is a disease characterized by thick, tenacious secretions that are difficult to clear. The inflammatory response often seen with pneumonia may lead to hypersecretion. Uncomplicated congestive heart failure alone should have no effect on respiratory secretions. Ciliary dyskinesia is a disease marked by poor clearance of secretions because of an inability of the cilia to clear secretions adequately.

REF:   p. 154 | p. 155

3. Medications that increase mucociliary or cough efficiency are

ANS:  A

Mucokinetic describes the effect of improving the mobilization and clearance of secretions. Mucolytic describes a substance capable of breaking down the structure of mucus. Mucoregulatory describes an agent that reduces mucus hypersecretion. Expectorant describes a medication designed to increase the volume or hydration of airway secretions.

REF:   p. 149

4. The number of goblet cells per square millimeter of normal airway mucosa is

ANS:  C

There are more than 6000 goblet cells per square millimeter of normal airway mucosa.

REF:   p. 151

5. Which structures are responsible for providing most mucus secretions?

ANS:  D

Surface epithelial cells include primary ciliated cells and goblet cells, but they do not produce most of the mucus in the human body. Cilia line the mucosal tract and work to clear secretions toward the larynx but do not produce mucus. Submucosal glands below the epithelial surface are thought to provide much of the airway surface mucin.

REF:   p. 150