The Mechanics Of Breathing

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| By Mpulley911
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Mpulley911
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Quizzes Created: 5 | Total Attempts: 65,869
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  • 1/22 Questions

    Which of the following defines alveoli?

    • Part of the vocal cords
    • Small air sacs in the lungs
    • A layer around the chest cavity
    • The most common form of pasta seen in cases of choking
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About This Quiz

The purpose of this ection is to gain knowledge of the way we breath and hoe gases are
processed in the human body

Respiratory System Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    One of the main functions of breathing is to allow oxygen to pass from the alveoli of the lungs into the blood.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Breathing plays a crucial role in allowing oxygen to pass from the alveoli of the lungs into the blood. When we inhale, oxygen enters the lungs and diffuses across the thin walls of the alveoli. From there, it enters the bloodstream, where it binds with hemoglobin in red blood cells and is transported to various tissues and organs in the body. Without this process, the body would not receive the necessary oxygen for cellular respiration, leading to severe health consequences. Therefore, the statement is true.

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  • 3. 

    As the diaphragm relaxes, inhalation occurs.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The diaphragm is a muscle located below the lungs that contracts during inhalation, causing the lungs to expand and fill with air. When the diaphragm relaxes, exhalation occurs, not inhalation. Therefore, the given statement is false.

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  • 4. 

    A normal respiratory rate should be:

    • 5 to 8 per minute in runners.

    • 12 to 20 per minute in adults.

    • About equal to the person's heart rate.

    • More than 24 per minute in the elderly.

    Correct Answer
    A. 12 to 20 per minute in adults.
    Explanation
    The normal respiratory rate for adults is between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This range is considered healthy and indicates that the person's lungs are functioning properly. It is important for the respiratory rate to be within this range as it ensures that enough oxygen is being taken in and carbon dioxide is being expelled from the body. Any respiratory rate below or above this range may indicate a respiratory problem or other underlying health issues.

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  • 5. 

    One of the main functions of breathing is to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the blood into the alveoli of the lungs.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Breathing is a vital physiological process that involves inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, is released from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. Therefore, one of the main functions of breathing is indeed to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the blood into the alveoli of the lungs.

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  • 6. 

    The brain stem normally controls breathing by increasing the respiration rate when the:

    • Nitrogen-oxygen levels fall.

    • Nitrogen level in the blood goes down.

    • Oxygen level in the blood goes up.

    • Carbon dioxide level in the blood goes up.

    Correct Answer
    A. Carbon dioxide level in the blood goes up.
    Explanation
    When the carbon dioxide level in the blood goes up, it triggers an increase in respiration rate. This is because an increase in carbon dioxide indicates that there is a buildup of waste gases in the body that need to be expelled. The brain stem, which is responsible for controlling breathing, detects this increase in carbon dioxide and signals the respiratory muscles to work harder and increase the rate of breathing. This helps to remove the excess carbon dioxide from the body and maintain a balanced level of gases in the blood.

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  • 7. 

    Wheezing can only be heard with a stethoscope applied to the back of thepatient.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Wheezing can be heard not only with a stethoscope applied to the back of the patient but also without a stethoscope. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing and is commonly associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. It can be audible to both the patient and others around them, especially during episodes of difficulty breathing. Therefore, the statement that wheezing can only be heard with a stethoscope applied to the back of the patient is incorrect.

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  • 8. 

    In the field, respiratory arrest may appear the same as cardiic arrest.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest can present with similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate between the two in the field. Both conditions involve the cessation of vital functions, leading to a lack of oxygen supply to the body. Respiratory arrest specifically refers to the cessation of breathing, while cardiac arrest refers to the cessation of the heart's pumping action. Since both conditions can result in a lack of pulse and unconsciousness, they may appear the same when initially assessed, requiring further examination and medical intervention to determine the exact cause.

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  • 9. 

    What percent oxygen is contained in the air we breath?

    • 11%

    • 16%

    • 21%

    • 78%

    Correct Answer
    A. 21%
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 21%. This is because the air we breathe is composed of various gases, with oxygen being one of them. Oxygen makes up approximately 21% of the air we breathe, while other gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and trace gases make up the remaining percentage.

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  • 10. 

    In children, nasal flaring is a sign of:

    • Normal breathing.

    • Labored breathing.

    • Emotional distress.

    • An intact sense of smelL

    Correct Answer
    A. Labored breathing.
    Explanation
    Nasal flaring in children is a sign of labored breathing. When a child is having difficulty breathing, they may instinctively widen their nostrils to allow more air to enter their lungs. This is known as nasal flaring and is a common indication of respiratory distress or obstruction. It is important to recognize this sign and seek medical attention if necessary, as labored breathing can be a serious condition that requires prompt intervention.

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following is NOT a sign cf abnormal breathing?

    • Cyanotic skin

    • Warm, dry skin

    • Unequal breath sounds

    • Muscle retractions between the ribs

    Correct Answer
    A. Warm, dry skin
    Explanation
    Warm, dry skin is not a sign of abnormal breathing. Abnormal breathing can cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the body, leading to cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin). Unequal breath sounds and muscle retractions between the ribs can indicate difficulty in breathing or lung problems. However, warm, dry skin is not directly related to abnormal breathing and is more commonly associated with dehydration or fever.

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  • 12. 

    If a person is not breathing, your first step should be to:

    • Begin CPR.

    • Perform a chest thump.

    • Clear and open the airway.

    • give three quick breaths mouth-to mouth.

    Correct Answer
    A. Clear and open the airway.
    Explanation
    When a person is not breathing, the first step should be to clear and open the airway. This is important because a blocked airway can prevent the person from breathing properly. By clearing the airway, any obstructions such as food or other objects can be removed, allowing for proper airflow. Opening the airway involves tilting the head back and lifting the chin, which helps to ensure that the person's airway is not obstructed. This step is crucial in order to establish a clear passage for air to enter the lungs and for resuscitation efforts to be effective.

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  • 13. 

    The diaphragm is considered a voluntary muscle.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The diaphragm is considered a voluntary muscle because it can be consciously controlled. It is the primary muscle involved in the process of breathing and plays a crucial role in inhaling and exhaling. We can voluntarily control the diaphragm's movement by altering our breathing patterns, such as taking deep breaths or holding our breath. This voluntary control allows us to regulate our breathing rate and depth, making the statement true.

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  • 14. 

    If breathing stops, the lack of oxygen can cause:

    • Fainting due to brain damage.

    • Brain damage after 4 to 6 minutes.

    • Brain damage after 12 to 15 minutes.

    • Kidney damage before brain damage.

    Correct Answer
    A. Brain damage after 4 to 6 minutes.
    Explanation
    When breathing stops, the body is deprived of oxygen. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within a few minutes. This can lead to brain damage, which typically occurs after 4 to 6 minutes of oxygen deprivation. Fainting may occur due to the initial lack of oxygen, but the more severe consequence is the potential for brain damage. Kidney damage is not mentioned as a direct result of the lack of oxygen.

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  • 15. 

    BLS is started only for cardiac arrest, not if there is a possible respiratoryobstruction.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    BLS (Basic Life Support) is not only started for cardiac arrest but also for cases of possible respiratory obstruction. This means that if there is a situation where a person is experiencing difficulty breathing or their airway is blocked, BLS techniques such as clearing the airway or performing rescue breaths may be necessary. Therefore, the statement that BLS is started only for cardiac arrest is false.

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  • 16. 

    The upper airway includes the main bronchi, trachea, nose, month, and throat.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The given statement is false. The upper airway includes the nose, mouth, and throat, but does not include the main bronchi and trachea. The main bronchi and trachea are part of the lower airway.

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  • 17. 

    During normal breathing, the accessory muscles of respiration contract to help squeeze air out of the chest cavity.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    During normal breathing, the accessory muscles of respiration do not contract to help squeeze air out of the chest cavity. Instead, normal breathing relies mainly on the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to expand. This expansion draws air into the lungs. When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves back up, reducing the space in the chest cavity and causing air to be expelled from the lungs. The accessory muscles of respiration are only activated during more strenuous or labored breathing, such as during exercise or when someone is experiencing difficulty breathing.

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  • 18. 

    During inhalation, the muscles in the chest wall and the diaphragm are active, causing the pressure to rise inside the chest cavity.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    During inhalation, the muscles in the chest wall and the diaphragm contract, causing the volume of the chest cavity to increase. This increase in volume leads to a decrease in pressure inside the chest cavity, allowing air to rush into the lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

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  • 19. 

    "The control of respiration is normally determined by the:

    • Size of the lungs.

    • Person's physical condition.

    • Oxygen level in the blood.

    • Carbon dioxide level in the blood.

    Correct Answer
    A. Carbon dioxide level in the blood.
    Explanation
    The control of respiration is normally determined by the carbon dioxide level in the blood. When the carbon dioxide level in the blood rises, it triggers an increase in respiration rate to remove the excess carbon dioxide from the body. On the other hand, when the carbon dioxide level in the blood decreases, respiration rate decreases as well. This mechanism helps to maintain the balance of gases in the body and ensure that oxygen is efficiently delivered to the cells while waste carbon dioxide is removed. The size of the lungs, person's physical condition, and oxygen level in the blood may have some influence on respiration, but carbon dioxide level is the primary determinant.

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  • 20. 

    See-saw respirations in infants is the normal resting pattern.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    See-saw respirations, also known as paradoxical breathing, is not a normal resting pattern in infants. It is a sign of respiratory distress or an underlying medical condition. In this pattern, the chest and abdomen move in opposite directions during breathing, with the chest moving inward and the abdomen protruding outward during inhalation, and the opposite occurring during exhalation. It is important to monitor infants for any abnormal breathing patterns and seek medical attention if see-saw respirations are observed.

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  • 21. 

    The diaphragm is considered an involuntary muscle

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The diaphragm is considered an involuntary muscle because it is not under conscious control. It is responsible for the process of breathing, contracting and relaxing to help draw air into and out of the lungs. This muscle works automatically, without us having to consciously think about it.

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  • 22. 

    Which of the follwing statements regarding problems maintaining an open air-way in a child versus an adult is False?

    • The trachea and larynx are softer.

    • The trachea and larynx are more easily compressed by external pressure

    • . Swelling of the epiglottis is more common.

    • The tongue is relatively smaller in children than in adults when compared to other structures

    Correct Answer
    A. The tongue is relatively smaller in children than in adults when compared to other structures
    Explanation
    The given statement is false because the tongue is relatively larger in children compared to other structures in the airway.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 22, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 05, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Mpulley911
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