Pulmonary ventilation is

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pulmonary ventilation is the total volume of air moved in and out of the lungs per minute. It is calculated by multiplying tidal volume (amount of air inhaled or exhaled in one breath) by respiratory rate (number of breaths per minute). Therefore, the correct answer is A: Tidal volume + Respiratory rate. Choice B (Tidal volume + Vital capacity) is incorrect because vital capacity is the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation, not a component of pulmonary ventilation. Choice C (Tidal volume + Residual volume) is incorrect because residual volume is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation and is not involved in ventilation. Choice D (Tidal volume + Inspiratory reserve volume) is incorrect because inspiratory reserve volume is the additional air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation and is not part of pulmonary ventilation calculation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: An arterial blood gas (ABG) study. This is the most accurate measurement of the concentration of oxygen in the patient's blood because ABG provides direct measurement of oxygen levels, including partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2). It also gives information on other important parameters like pH and carbon dioxide levels. Arterial blood is the best representation of oxygenation status. Choice A (A capillary blood sample) may provide some information on oxygen saturation but is not as accurate as an ABG for measuring oxygen levels in the blood. Choice B (Pulse oximetry) measures oxygen saturation in peripheral blood and can give a quick estimate of oxygen levels, but it is not as accurate as an ABG for determining the actual oxygen concentration in the blood. Choice D (A complete blood count) does not provide direct information on oxygen levels in the blood, as it mainly focuses on the cellular components of blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Shortness of breath. Following a thoracoscopic procedure for a pleural effusion, shortness of breath is a priority assessment as it could indicate complications such as pneumothorax or respiratory distress. Sputum production (A) may be important but is secondary to respiratory distress. Throat discomfort (C) and epistaxis (D) are not directly related to the procedure or potential complications and would not be the priority assessment in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The 'Adams' Apple' is the prominent bulge in the front of the neck and corresponds to the thyroid cartilage. This cartilage forms the largest part of the larynx and is more prominent in males due to hormonal differences. The cricoid cartilage (Choice B) is located below the thyroid cartilage. Corniculate cartilage (Choice C) and cuneiform cartilage (Choice D) are smaller cartilages in the larynx and are not responsible for the 'Adams' Apple' prominence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: venous blood. In the body, carbon dioxide is carried in the blood, primarily in the form of bicarbonate ions. Venous blood, returning from tissues to the heart, has higher levels of carbon dioxide compared to arterial blood. This results in a higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide in venous blood. Alveolar air (B) has a lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide due to gas exchange in the lungs, while expired air (C) has even lower levels as carbon dioxide is exhaled. Inspired air (D) has the lowest partial pressure of carbon dioxide as it has not yet entered the body.