CHAPTER 16 The Respiratory System

CHAPTER 16 The Respiratory System

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

16.1•A change that normally occurs in the respiratory system as a result of aging is

 

1. a decrease in vital capacity.
2. an increase in the amount of oxygen carried in the blood.
3. a decrease in stiffness of the chest wall.
4. an increase in alveolar surface area.

Answer: 1

 

Rationale: The aging process causes a decrease in the vital capacity or amount of air that moves in and out with each breath. Other changes that occur with aging include a decrease in the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, increased stiffness in the chest wall, and a decrease in the amount of alveolar surface area where gas exchange occurs.

Assessment

Physiological Integrity

Analysis

 

16.2•With aging, there is increased susceptibility to pulmonary diseases, such as influenza, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, in the older client as a result of

 

1. improved effectiveness of the cilia in removing debris from the airway.
2. decreased antibody production.
3. improved response to immunizations.
4. altered alveolar shape with an increase in alveolar diameter.

Answer: 2

 

Rationale: Older clients are more susceptible to pulmonary diseases because of a decrease in antibody production that occurs with a decline in immune functioning. The cilia, which create a constant whipping motion propelling mucus, are less effective in removing foreign matter from the airways. Even with administration of immunizations, there is less production of antibodies. Aging causes a change in the shape of the alveoli and an increase in the alveolar diameter but these have no affect on the client’s susceptibility to disease.

Diagnosis

Physiological Integrity

Analysis

 

16.3•An older client complains of difficulty breathing and of wheezing. The diagnostic test that is most likely to differentiate the diagnosis as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is

 

1. chest x-ray examination (CXR).
2. electrocardiogram (EKG).
3. pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
4. complete blood count (CBC).

Answer: 3

 

Rationale: Pulmonary function tests are the most reliable way to diagnose asthma and differentiate it from other illness such as COPD. Measurement of air during expiration is used in the differential diagnosis. The chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, and CBC will give information related to the pulmonary condition but will not differentiate asthma and COPD.

Assessment

Physiological Integrity

Analysis

 

16.4•Which of the following is a correct statement describing asthma in older clients?

 

1. asthma is not diagnosed as a new condition in older clients
2. asthma can be differentiated from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by changes seen on a series of chest x-rays
3. asthma is treated with the same types of medications in older clients as in younger clients
4. older clients are less likely to have side effects and drug interactions from asthma medications than younger clients

Answer: 3

 

Rationale: The same types of medications are used to treat asthma in older adults as in younger adults. The older adult is likely to experience more side effects from the medications and drug interactions. Asthma can be a new diagnosis in older clients as well as in younger clients. Asthma is differentiated from COPD by examining pulmonary function test results.

Intervention

Physiological Integrity

Application