A gerontologic nurse is analyzing the data from a patient's focused respiratory assessment. The nurse is aware that the amount of respiratory dead space increases with age. What is the effect of this physiological change?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased diffusion capacity for oxygen. With age, respiratory dead space increases, leading to a mismatch between ventilation and perfusion in the lungs. This results in a decrease in the ability of the lungs to effectively transfer oxygen into the bloodstream, reducing the diffusion capacity for oxygen. This physiological change can lead to decreased oxygenation of tissues and organs. Summary: A: Increased diffusion of gases - Incorrect. Increased dead space does not enhance gas diffusion; instead, it impairs gas exchange. C: Decreased shunting of blood - Incorrect. Shunting refers to blood bypassing oxygenation in the lungs, which is not directly affected by dead space. D: Increased ventilation - Incorrect. While dead space may lead to increased ventilation efforts, it does not directly improve oxygen diffusion capacity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because as the SCUBA diver rises too fast, the pressure decreases rapidly. This causes the nitrogen gas that was dissolved in the blood at high pressure to form bubbles, leading to decompression sickness. Choice A is incorrect because carbon dioxide rushing into cells is not the cause of decompression sickness. Choice B is incorrect because it refers to carbon dioxide forming bubbles in the blood, which is not the mechanism of decompression sickness. Choice D is incorrect because it focuses on excess air from the SCUBA tank entering the blood, which is not the primary reason for decompression sickness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Understand the term - Hypercapnia means increased levels of CO2 in the blood. Step 2: Elevated PCO2 directly relates to increased CO2 levels. Step 3: This condition can lead to respiratory issues due to excess CO2. Step 4: Therefore, choice B, elevated PCO2, is the correct answer. Summary: Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as hypercapnia specifically refers to increased CO2 levels, not the cessation of breathing, elevated PO2, or an increase in pH.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Identifying lobes - The right lung has 3 lobes (upper, middle, lower) while the left lung has 2 lobes (upper, lower). Step 2: Cardiac notch - The cardiac notch is a concave space on the left lung where the heart lies. Therefore, the left lung has a cardiac notch. Step 3: Correct choice - Option D states that the right lung has 3 lobes, the left lung has 2 lobes, and the left lung has a cardiac notch, which aligns with the anatomical features of the lungs. Step 4: Incorrect choices - Choices A, B, and C have incorrect combinations of lobes and the presence of a cardiac notch, making them incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regular physical activity. Physical activity is recommended for individuals with heart failure as it can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen the heart muscle, and enhance overall well-being. Exercise can also help manage symptoms of heart failure and improve quality of life. The other choices are incorrect: A: Sedentary lifestyle can worsen heart failure symptoms and lead to deconditioning. B: Smoking is harmful for heart health and can exacerbate heart failure. D: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure complications.