Test Your Knowledge About Respiratory System! Pathophysiology Trivia Quiz

The reason that the flu shot varies from year to year is because the influenza virus constantly mutates. This means that the virus undergoes genetic changes, leading to the emergence of new strains each year. As a result, the flu shot needs to be updated annually to include the most prevalent strains of the virus. By targeting these specific strains, the flu shot can provide better protection against the circulating viruses and reduce the risk of infection.

The production of yellowish-green, cloudy, thick sputum is often an indication of a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections can cause the body to produce excess mucus, which can appear yellow or green in color. The thickness of the sputum is also a common characteristic of bacterial infections. Other symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing may also be present in cases of bacterial infection. It is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms occur to receive appropriate treatment.

Wheezing is commonly associated with asthma, which is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten, and the airways become swollen and filled with mucus, leading to wheezing sounds during breathing. This hallmark symptom of wheezing is often a result of the obstruction of airflow caused by the narrowed airways in asthma patients.

A pneumothorax refers to the collection of air in the pleural cavity of the chest. This condition occurs when air enters the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely. The presence of air in the pleural cavity can disrupt the normal pressure balance, preventing the lung from expanding properly during breathing. This can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and decreased oxygen levels. Treatment for a pneumothorax may involve the removal of air from the pleural cavity and measures to prevent recurrence.

Pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which is the space between the two layers of the pleura (the thin membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity). This condition can occur due to various reasons, such as infections, heart failure, lung cancer, or trauma. The accumulation of fluid in the pleural space can cause difficulty in breathing and may require medical intervention to drain the fluid and treat the underlying cause.

A mutation in chromosome 7 is associated with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. It is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which is located on chromosome 7. These mutations result in the production of a defective protein that leads to the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and other organs. This mucus can clog the airways and lead to respiratory problems, frequent lung infections, and other complications associated with cystic fibrosis.

During an acute attack of extrinsic asthma, there is a hypersensitivity reaction involving the release of chemical mediators. This means that the immune system overreacts to an allergen, such as pollen or dust mites, causing the airways to become inflamed and constricted. This inflammation leads to the release of chemical mediators, such as histamine, which further exacerbates the symptoms of asthma, including wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. This hypersensitivity reaction is a key component of the pathophysiology of an acute attack of extrinsic asthma.

Consolidation on a chest x-ray refers to an area of the lung that appears denser than the surrounding tissues, indicating the presence of fluid or inflammation. Pneumonia is the most likely cause of consolidation on a chest x-ray, as it is an infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. COPD, asthma, and lung cancer may also appear as abnormalities on a chest x-ray, but consolidation is more commonly associated with pneumonia.

Hyperventilation is the act of breathing rapidly and deeply, leading to an excessive elimination of carbon dioxide from the body. This causes a decrease in the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to a decrease in carbonic acid formation. As a result, the pH of the blood increases, making it more alkaline. Therefore, the correct answer is respiratory alkalosis.

The basis for acute attacks of extrinsic asthma is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction. In this type of reaction, the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, such as pollen or dust mites, and releases chemicals that cause inflammation and constriction of the airways. This leads to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Gradual degeneration and fibrosis, continuous severe attacks unresponsive to medication, and hyperresponsive mucosa are not the primary causes of acute attacks in extrinsic asthma.

Left ventricular failure refers to the inability of the left side of the heart to pump blood effectively. This can lead to an increase in pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing fluid to leak into the air sacs, leading to pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema is a condition where there is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. Therefore, left ventricular failure is a known cause of pulmonary edema.

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition characterized by the destruction of the alveolar walls. This destruction leads to the enlargement of the air spaces within the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. Lung fibrosis refers to the formation of excessive fibrous connective tissue in the lungs, which is not a characteristic of emphysema. Decrease in the diameter of the chest is not a specific characteristic of emphysema. Hemoptysis, which is the coughing up of blood, is not directly associated with emphysema. Therefore, the accurate characteristic of emphysema is the destruction of the alveolar wall.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. It is commonly associated with comorbidities such as bronchiectasis, frequent chest infections, and malnutrition due to the thick and sticky mucus that builds up in the airways and blocks the pancreas. However, type 2 diabetes is not commonly associated with cystic fibrosis. While cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is a known complication, it is different from type 2 diabetes and is specific to individuals with cystic fibrosis.

The sweat test is a diagnostic tool used to detect cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. It is characterized by the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the airways and lead to respiratory problems. The sweat test measures the amount of salt in the sweat, as individuals with cystic fibrosis have higher levels of salt in their sweat. This test is a reliable method for diagnosing cystic fibrosis and is often performed in infants and young children who show symptoms of the disease.

The absence of breath sounds in the right thorax suggests a right pneumothorax. A pneumothorax is a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse. When the lung collapses, there is no air movement in that area, leading to the absence of breath sounds. This finding is specific to a pneumothorax and can help in diagnosing the condition. Bilateral inspiratory and expiratory crackles, inspiratory wheezes in the right thorax, and bilateral pleural friction rub are not typical findings of a pneumothorax.

The correct answer is "TB is usually caused by an acid-fast bacillus, resistant to many disinfectants." This statement accurately describes tuberculosis as a disease caused by an acid-fast bacillus, which is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many disinfectants.

Infant respiratory distress syndrome occurs due to insufficient surfactant production. Surfactant is a substance that helps reduce surface tension in the alveoli of the lungs, preventing them from collapsing during expiration. In premature infants, the production of surfactant may be inadequate, leading to difficulty in breathing and respiratory distress. This condition can cause severe respiratory problems and requires medical intervention to support the infant's lung function. The other options mentioned, such as incomplete expiration, retention of fluid in the lungs, and immature neural control of respirations, do not directly contribute to the development of infant respiratory distress syndrome.

In emphysema, the destruction of lung tissue leads to the loss of elasticity in the lungs. This causes the air sacs to become enlarged and lose their ability to fully deflate. As a result, too much air gets trapped in the thoracic cavity, leading to an increase in the anterior-posterior (A-P) diameter of the chest. This results in a "barrel chest" appearance, where the chest becomes rounded and enlarged.

Hyperventilation is the rapid breathing that leads to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide from the body. This results in a decrease in the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to a condition called respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH of the blood increases, becoming more alkaline. This occurs because the decrease in carbon dioxide causes a decrease in carbonic acid, which is responsible for maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. As a result, the blood becomes more alkaline.

Alveolar hyperventilation/hypocapnia can cause respiratory alkalosis. This is because hyperventilation leads to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, resulting in a decrease in the partial pressure of CO2 in the blood. This decrease in CO2 causes a shift in the acid-base balance towards alkalinity, leading to respiratory alkalosis.

Fibrosis is not an obstructive condition because it refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, which can lead to scarring and stiffening. While fibrosis can occur in the lungs, it is not specifically classified as an obstructive condition. On the other hand, asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis are all obstructive conditions that involve narrowing or blockage of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing.

Hemoptysis refers to the presence of bright red streaks of blood in frothy sputum. This term is used to describe the symptom of coughing up blood, which can be indicative of various underlying conditions such as lung infections, bronchitis, tuberculosis, or even lung cancer. The bright red color of the blood indicates that it is fresh and actively bleeding, and the frothy sputum suggests that the blood is mixed with mucus and air from the respiratory tract.

Rales are light bubbly or crackling breathing sounds that are associated with serous secretions. These sounds are typically heard during inspiration and can indicate the presence of fluid in the lungs or airways. Rales can be a sign of conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or congestive heart failure. They are often heard on auscultation of the lungs and can help healthcare professionals in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions.

SARS is caused by a coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). In the case of SARS, the coronavirus responsible for the outbreak in 2002-2003 was named SARS-CoV. This virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and can cause severe respiratory symptoms, leading to pneumonia and even death in some cases.

Laryngotracheobronchitis is a viral infection that affects the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. It commonly occurs in children between the ages of 3 months and 3 years. Symptoms of laryngotracheobronchitis include a hoarse voice, barking cough, difficulty breathing, and sometimes fever. The infection is usually caused by a virus, such as the parainfluenza virus, and is not typically associated with bacterial infections. Fetid breath and sore throat are not specific symptoms of laryngotracheobronchitis.

Bronchiectasis is a condition characterized by the permanent dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles due to chronic inflammation and damage to the airways. The typical pathological changes associated with bronchiectasis include airway obstructions, which can occur due to the accumulation of mucus and debris in the dilated bronchi. Additionally, the weakened and dilated bronchial walls contribute to the development of bronchiectasis. These changes can lead to recurrent infections, impaired mucus clearance, and further damage to the airways.

Pulmonary edema causes severe hypoxia because both the diffusion of oxygen into the pulmonary capillaries is impaired and there is interference with the expansion of the lungs. When there is fluid accumulation in the lungs, it hinders the diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli into the pulmonary capillaries, leading to a decrease in oxygen supply to the body. Additionally, the presence of fluid in the lungs can interfere with the expansion of the lungs during inhalation, further compromising the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

The central chemoreceptors in the medulla are normally most sensitive to elevated carbon dioxide levels. These chemoreceptors detect changes in the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood and play a crucial role in regulating breathing. When carbon dioxide levels increase, it leads to an increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions in the cerebrospinal fluid, which in turn stimulates the central chemoreceptors to increase the rate and depth of breathing. This helps to remove excess carbon dioxide and restore normal blood pH levels.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This means that both copies of the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis must be mutated for the disorder to be present. If an individual inherits only one mutated copy of the gene, they will be a carrier of the disorder but will not show symptoms. Autosomal recessive disorders typically appear in individuals who have two affected parents, or when both parents are carriers of the mutated gene.

The most common cause of viral pneumonia is the influenza virus. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe symptoms and complications, including pneumonia. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets and can affect people of all ages. Influenza viruses can cause inflammation and infection in the lungs, leading to pneumonia. This is why it is important to get vaccinated against influenza every year to reduce the risk of developing viral pneumonia.

Carbon dioxide is primarily transported in the blood as a bicarbonate ion. When carbon dioxide enters the red blood cells, it combines with water to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid then dissociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. The majority of the bicarbonate ions are transported out of the red blood cells and into the plasma, where they can be carried to the lungs for elimination. This bicarbonate ion transport mechanism allows for efficient removal of carbon dioxide from the body while maintaining the pH balance of the blood.

Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration that indicates obstruction in the upper airway. It is typically caused by a narrowing or blockage of the air passages, such as from inflammation, foreign bodies, or tumors. Stridor is commonly associated with conditions like croup, epiglottitis, or an allergic reaction. Rales refer to abnormal crackling sounds heard during breathing and typically indicate fluid in the lungs. Wheezing is a whistling sound caused by narrowed airways, often seen in conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing while lying flat and is usually associated with heart failure or lung disease.

Pneumonia can cause respiratory acidosis because it is an infection that affects the lungs, leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the air sacs. This can result in impaired gas exchange, causing a buildup of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream and a decrease in oxygen levels. The increased carbon dioxide levels can lead to respiratory acidosis, a condition characterized by an increase in blood acidity.

The typical signs and symptoms of epiglottitis include sudden fever, sore throat, and drooling saliva. Epiglottitis is a condition where the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue, becomes inflamed and swollen. This can cause difficulty in breathing and swallowing, leading to the characteristic symptoms of fever, sore throat, and drooling saliva. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if epiglottitis is suspected, as it can be a life-threatening condition.

Rapid loss of consciousness is the sign indicating total obstruction of the airway by aspirated material. When the airway is completely blocked by aspirated material, it prevents the flow of air to the lungs, leading to a lack of oxygen supply to the brain. This can cause a person to rapidly lose consciousness due to the lack of oxygen reaching the brain.

The symptoms of difficulty breathing, unilateral stabbing chest pain, and a productive cough are most suggestive of pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, but in this case, pneumonia is the most likely explanation based on the given symptoms.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. While asthma does have a genetic component, it is not linked specifically to the paternal side. Genetic factors can influence a person's susceptibility to developing asthma, but it is not limited to one side of the family. Asthma is a complex condition that can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Pulmonary fibrosis and vasoconstriction both contribute to increasing vascular resistance in the lungs. This increased resistance makes it harder for the right ventricle to pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation. As a result, the right ventricle has to work harder and pump more blood than the left ventricle, leading to the development of cor pulmonale. Additionally, increased blood viscosity also adds to the workload of the heart, further contributing to the development of cor pulmonale.

Primary tuberculosis is identified through the formation of a tubercle. A tubercle is a small, rounded nodule that forms in the lungs as a result of the immune system's response to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. This is the initial stage of tuberculosis infection and is characterized by the presence of the tubercle, which contains the bacteria. Other symptoms such as persistent productive cough, low-grade fever, and fatigue may also be present, but the formation of a tubercle is the key characteristic used to identify primary tuberculosis.

Primary tuberculosis is identified through the caseation necrosis and formation of a tubercle in the lungs. Caseation necrosis refers to the death of cells in a particular area, resulting in a cheese-like appearance. In tuberculosis, this necrosis occurs within the tubercle, which is a characteristic lesion formed by the infection. The tubercle is a granulomatous structure that contains the bacteria and immune cells. Therefore, the presence of caseation necrosis and tubercle formation in the lungs is indicative of primary tuberculosis.

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus is commonly found in soil that contains bird or bat droppings. When the soil is disturbed, spores of the fungus can become airborne and be inhaled by humans, leading to infection. Histoplasmosis primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, the correct answer is fungus.

A pulmonary embolus is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. It commonly occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in the deep veins of the legs, known as the femoral veins. These clots can break loose and travel through the bloodstream, eventually reaching the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism. This is the most common source of a pulmonary embolus. Thrombus from the left ventricle, thrombus attached to atheromas in the aorta, and a blood clot in the pulmonary vein are not typically associated with the development of a pulmonary embolus.

Epinephrine causes bronchodilation. Epinephrine is a hormone that stimulates the beta 2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscles of the bronchioles, leading to relaxation and dilation of the airways. This helps to improve airflow and relieve symptoms of bronchoconstriction, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

Chronic bronchitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes, resulting in excessive mucus production and coughing. Fibrosis of the bronchial wall is typical of chronic bronchitis because the continuous inflammation and irritation can lead to scarring and thickening of the bronchial walls. This fibrosis can further narrow the airways, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs.

Active (secondary) infection by M.tuberculosis with tissue destruction occurs when the host's resistance is decreased for any reason. This means that when the immune system is weakened or compromised, the bacteria can multiply and cause damage to the tissues. This can happen due to various factors such as malnutrition, immunosuppressive medications, HIV infection, or other underlying health conditions that weaken the immune response. In such cases, the body is unable to effectively control the infection, leading to active disease and tissue destruction.

Identification of acid-fast bacilli in a sputum sample confirms the presence of active (reinfection) tuberculosis. Acid-fast bacilli are bacteria that are characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis. Finding these bacilli in a sputum sample indicates an active infection, as they are actively multiplying and present in the respiratory secretions. A positive skin test for TB only indicates exposure to the bacteria but does not differentiate between active and latent infection. A calcified tubercle on a chest X-ray indicates a previous infection but does not confirm active infection. A history of exposure to individuals being treated for TB suggests a potential risk of infection but does not confirm active infection.

A large open pneumothorax, also known as a sucking wound, occurs when there is a hole in the chest wall that allows air to enter the pleural space. This can lead to mediastinal flutter, which is the abnormal movement of the mediastinum (the space between the lungs) due to changes in pressure. This fluttering can compress the great vessels in the chest, impairing venous return to the heart and leading to decreased cardiac output. Therefore, the effect of a large open pneumothorax is mediastinal flutter, impairing venous return.

Hyperproteinemia and increasing osmotic pressure in the blood would not be a cause of pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema occurs when there is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs, usually due to increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. Left-sided congested heart failure can cause pulmonary edema by increasing pressure in the pulmonary veins. Excessive blood volume can also cause pulmonary edema by increasing pressure in the blood vessels. Inhalation of toxic gases causing inflammation in the lungs can lead to pulmonary edema by damaging the lung tissue and increasing vascular permeability. However, hyperproteinemia and increasing osmotic pressure in the blood would not directly cause fluid accumulation in the lungs.

The correct answer is P02 is low. The blood in the pulmonary artery is low in P02 because it has just been pumped from the right ventricle of the heart and has not yet been oxygenated in the lungs. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.

Failure to excrete meconium is a common indicator of cystic fibrosis in newborns. Meconium is the first stool passed by a baby after birth, and a failure to excrete it can indicate an obstruction in the intestines, which is a symptom of cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the production of mucus in the body, leading to the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system. This can cause various complications, including intestinal blockages that prevent the passage of meconium.