Chloride shift occurs from the plasma to the RBC and is meant for

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To keep electrostatic neutrality of RBC membrane. Chloride shift helps maintain the balance of charges inside and outside red blood cells (RBCs) to prevent excessive positive or negative charges, ensuring the electrostatic neutrality of the RBC membrane. This process involves the exchange of chloride ions between the plasma and RBCs, with chloride moving into the RBCs to balance the outflow of bicarbonate ions during the transport of CO2. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the primary function of chloride shift, which is to maintain the electrostatic neutrality of the RBC membrane. Hemoglobinic acid formation, bicarbonate formation, and CO2 transport are secondary outcomes of the chloride shift process, but the main purpose is to regulate the charge balance within the RBCs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Lung fields dull to percussion, absent breath sounds, and a pleural friction rub are consistent with pleural effusion. Dullness on percussion indicates fluid accumulation in the pleural space. Absent breath sounds suggest decreased air movement due to the fluid. A pleural friction rub may be heard due to inflammation of the pleura. A is incorrect because increased tactile fremitus, egophony, and a dull sound upon percussion are more indicative of pneumonia. B is incorrect because decreased tactile fremitus, wheezing, and a hyperresonant sound upon percussion are more indicative of COPD or emphysema. D is incorrect because normal tactile fremitus, decreased breath sounds, and a resonant sound upon percussion are more indicative of asthma or atelectasis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because withholding food and fluids for several hours before a bronchoscopy is important to prevent aspiration during the procedure. When the patient is sedated for the bronchoscopy, there is an increased risk of vomiting, and having an empty stomach reduces this risk. Administering IV fluids (choice A) is not necessary unless clinically indicated. Inserting a peripherally inserted central catheter (choice B) is not typically required for a bronchoscopy. Administering nebulized bronchodilators (choice C) may not be needed for all patients and should be based on the individual's respiratory condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: an increase of the respiratory rate. When carbon dioxide levels rise in the blood, it triggers the body to increase the rate of breathing to eliminate excess carbon dioxide through exhalation. This is known as the respiratory drive, controlled by the respiratory centers in the brainstem. Increasing the respiratory rate helps to restore the balance of gases in the blood. Incorrect Choices: A: Decrease in the rate of breathing - This is incorrect because high levels of carbon dioxide would stimulate an increase in breathing rate, not a decrease. C: Decrease of pulmonary ventilation - This is incorrect as an increase in carbon dioxide would typically lead to an increase, not a decrease, in pulmonary ventilation. D: Decrease of the alveolar ventilation rate - This is incorrect because an increase in carbon dioxide would prompt an increase in alveolar ventilation to remove excess carbon dioxide from the blood.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: carbonic acid. When carbon dioxide and water combine, they form carbonic acid through a chemical reaction known as hydration. This process is essential for the transportation of carbon dioxide in the blood and plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's pH balance. Hydrochloric acid (A) is formed by the reaction of hydrogen chloride gas with water. Oxygen (B) is not a product of the reaction between carbon dioxide and water. Carbaminohemoglobin (D) is a compound formed by the binding of carbon dioxide to hemoglobin in red blood cells, not a direct product of the reaction between carbon dioxide and water.