The nurse is assessing the respiratory status of a patient who is experiencing an exacerbation of her emphysema symptoms. When preparing to auscultate, what breath sounds should the nurse anticipate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Faint breath sounds with prolonged expiration. In emphysema, the alveoli lose elasticity, leading to air trapping and difficulty in expiration. This results in faint breath sounds with prolonged expiration due to the decreased airflow. Absence of breath sounds (A) would indicate a serious issue like pneumothorax. Wheezing with discontinuous breath sounds (B) is more characteristic of asthma. Faint breath sounds with fine crackles (D) are typically heard in conditions like pneumonia or pulmonary fibrosis, not in emphysema.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Gap junctions play a role in cell-to-cell communication but are not directly involved in gas exchange efficiency at the blood air barrier. A: High partial pressure differences drive gas exchange. B: Short distance minimizes diffusion time. C: Large surface area allows for more exchange. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it is not a contributing factor to gas exchange efficiency.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the apneustic centers of the pons provide stimulation to the inspiratory center in the medulla oblongata to promote inhalation. This is essential for regulating the breathing cycle. Choice A is incorrect as the apneustic centers do not inhibit the pneumotaxic and inspiratory centers. Choice C is incorrect as the apneustic centers do not directly monitor blood gas levels. Choice D is incorrect as the apneustic centers do not alter chemoreceptor sensitivity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary muscles of inspiration are the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles. The diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity, while the external intercostal muscles lift and expand the rib cage. This creates a negative pressure in the lungs, allowing air to flow in. A: Internal intercostal muscles are involved in forced expiration, not inspiration. B: While the diaphragm is a primary muscle of inspiration, internal intercostal muscles are not. D: Rectus abdominis and transversus thoracis are primarily involved in expiration, not inspiration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trachea. The trachea is the windpipe, a tube that carries air to and from the lungs. It is located in front of the esophagus. The trachea is made up of cartilage rings, allowing it to stay open and prevent it from collapsing. The other choices are incorrect because the lungs are the organs where gas exchange occurs, the larynx is the voice box, and the bronchi are the two branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs.