Chapter 27: Overview of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Exchange

Chapter 27: Overview of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Exchange

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. What respiratory condition or disease results in both increased compliance and increased resistance?

ANS:  A

Compliance is a measure of the relative ease with which the chest wall expands. Resistance is determined primarily by airway size. Asthma results in increased compliance and increased resistance, both of which increase the work of breathing. Atelectasis and surfactant deficiency both decrease compliance but do not affect resistance. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia increases resistance but does not affect compliance.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding       REF:   p. 1126

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

2. How much oxygen is contained in ambient air (room air)?

ANS:  B

Room air is composed of 21% oxygen, trace amounts of carbon dioxide, and 79% nitrogen.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding       REF:   p. 1127

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

3. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse notes a sinking in of soft tissues relative to the cartilaginous and bony thorax. What is the term for this finding?

ANS:  C

Retractions are defined as the sinking of soft tissue relative to the cartilaginous or bony thorax. Retractions can be extreme in severe airway obstruction as the work of breathing increases. Grunting can be a sign of pain in older children with respiratory issues. It serves to increase the end-respiratory pressure, which prolongs the period of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange across the membrane. Tachypnea is an increase in the respiratory rate above the child’s baseline. Nasal flaring, the enlargement of the nostrils, helps reduce nasal resistance and maintains airway patency.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding       REF:   p. 1133

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

4. What test measures the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during any respiratory cycle?

ANS:  A

Tidal volume is defined as the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during any respiratory cycle. When it is multiplied by the respiratory rate, the minute volume is obtained. Forced vital capacity is the maximum amount of air that can be expired after maximum inspiration. It is used to monitor individuals with obstructive airway disease. Dynamic compliance is the relationship between the change in volume and pressure difference. Pulmonary resistance measures the changes in pressure with changes in flow on inspiration and expiration.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding       REF:   p. 1135

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological Integrity

5. What is the best explanation for using pulse oximetry on young children to determine oxygen saturation?

ANS:  A

Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive measure of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin. Capnography measures carbon dioxide inhalation and exhalation. It does not provide information about oxygen saturation. Arterial blood gases provide additional clinical information, including pH, PCO₂, bicarbonate, base excess, and PO₂. An arterial puncture is required, which can be painful, and continuous monitoring cannot be done without an arterial line. Pulse oximetry can be either intermittent or continuous.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding       REF:   p. 1138

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological Integrity