Miriam, a college student with acute rhinitis sees the campus nurse because of excessive nasal drainage. The nurse asks the patient about the color of the drainage. In acute rhinitis, nasal drainage normally is:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clear. In acute rhinitis, the nasal drainage is typically clear because it is caused by viral infections or allergies, which result in clear mucus production. Yellow or green drainage may indicate a bacterial infection, which is not typically associated with acute rhinitis. Gray drainage is uncommon in nasal discharge and may suggest a more serious underlying condition. Therefore, the nurse asked about the color of the drainage to assess the nature of the infection and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chest pain that occurs suddenly. Pulmonary embolism typically presents with sudden chest pain due to a blockage in the pulmonary arteries. This is a result of a blood clot traveling to the lungs, causing a sharp and stabbing pain. The other options are not typically associated with pulmonary embolism. A hot, flushed feeling (A) is more indicative of a fever or infection, sudden chills and fever (B) may occur in sepsis or the flu, and nausea and vomiting (D) are more commonly seen in gastrointestinal issues.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absence of wheezing. In asthmatics, wheezing is a common sign of airway obstruction. The absence of wheezing indicates a severe obstruction leading to reduced airflow, which can progress to respiratory arrest. Agitation (A) and tachycardia (B) are common signs of distress but do not specifically indicate imminent respiratory arrest. Flaring nares (D) may suggest increased work of breathing, but it is not as specific as the absence of wheezing in predicting imminent respiratory arrest in asthmatics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place through diffusion. This process is crucial for oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide. Bronchi (A), bronchioles (C), and trachea (D) are all parts of the respiratory system, but they do not participate directly in gas exchange. Bronchi are the main airways that branch off from the trachea, bronchioles are smaller airways that lead to the alveoli, and the trachea is the main airway that carries air to and from the lungs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hemoglobin follows the principle of partial pressure, which states that gases move from areas of higher partial pressure to lower partial pressure. Therefore, hemoglobin will pick up more oxygen when the partial pressure of oxygen is higher, such as in the lungs. Choice A is incorrect because hemoglobin actually releases oxygen at higher temperatures. Choice C is incorrect because hemoglobin picks up oxygen when it is not fully saturated. Choice D is incorrect because hemoglobin releases oxygen when the partial pressure of oxygen is higher, not when it is lower.