A patient on the medical unit has told the nurse that he is experiencing significant dyspnea, despite that he has not recently performed any physical activity. What assessment question should the nurse ask the patient while preparing to perform a physical assessment?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): 1. Assessing the severity of dyspnea is crucial for determining the urgency of intervention. 2. By asking for a rating on a scale from 1 to 10, the nurse can quantify the level of distress the patient is experiencing. 3. This allows for a more objective assessment and helps in determining appropriate interventions. 4. Monitoring changes in the severity of dyspnea over time can also guide treatment effectiveness. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B. Asking about the last time the patient ate or drank is important for assessing possible contributing factors to dyspnea, but it does not directly address the immediate severity of the symptom. C. Inquiring about nausea is relevant for a more comprehensive assessment, but it does not directly address the severity of dyspnea. D. Asking about the potential need for medication is important, but it does not directly address the current level of dyspnea and may not be the immediate priority.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: bicarbonate ions. Carbon dioxide in the blood mainly combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. The majority of carbon dioxide is transported in the blood as bicarbonate ions. This process occurs in red blood cells via the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Choices A and D are incorrect as carbon dioxide mainly combines with water and does not remain as a solute in plasma or cytoplasm. Choice B, carbaminohemoglobin, is a minor way carbon dioxide is transported, where a small amount binds to hemoglobin, but the majority is transported as bicarbonate ions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Damage to the phrenic nerves would result in the inability to fully expand the diaphragm, leading to reliance on costal breathing. This is because the phrenic nerves innervate the diaphragm, the main muscle of respiration. Without proper diaphragmatic function, the individual would have difficulty engaging in effective diaphragmatic breathing. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because damage to the phrenic nerves would not directly impact the respiratory rate, tidal volume, or pressure differences between the lungs and the outside air. These functions are more related to overall respiratory control and lung mechanics, which are not solely dependent on the phrenic nerves.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: to remove pathogens and debris. Alveolar macrophages are specialized immune cells located in the lungs responsible for engulfing and clearing pathogens, debris, and foreign particles. This function helps maintain lung health and prevents infections. Rationale: 1. Alveolar macrophages are part of the immune system and act as the first line of defense in the lungs. 2. Their primary role is phagocytosis, engulfing and destroying pathogens and debris to protect the respiratory system. 3. Secreting pulmonary surfactant (choice A) is the function of type II alveolar cells, not alveolar macrophages. 4. While alveolar macrophages can secrete some antimicrobial proteins (choice B), their main function is phagocytosis. 5. Facilitating gas exchange (choice D) is the role of the alveoli and not specifically of alveolar macrophages. In summary,

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: paired arytenoid cartilage. These cartilages are triangular and play a crucial role in adjusting the tension and position of the vocal cords, thus affecting voice pitch and quality. The thyroid cartilage (A) is a large shield-shaped cartilage, the corniculate cartilage (C) is small and horn-shaped, and the cricoid cartilage (D) is a ring-shaped cartilage. These cartilages do not directly influence the vocal cords' tension and position.