The nurse is aware that the characteristic of emphysema that gives rise to the "Pink Puffer" label is the emphysemic patient's:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Normal ABGs. In emphysema, the destruction of alveoli leads to impaired gas exchange, causing respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia. However, "Pink Puffers" maintain normal or slightly low CO2 levels (normal ABGs) due to persistent hyperventilation. This compensatory mechanism helps them maintain adequate oxygen levels despite damaged alveoli. Dyspnea (choice A) and barrel chest (choice B) are common in emphysema but do not specifically contribute to the "Pink Puffer" label. Thin body (choice C) is associated with another type of COPD, chronic bronchitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because oxygen moves from alveoli to the bloodstream by simple diffusion. This is due to the concentration gradient of oxygen being higher in the alveoli (where oxygen is inhaled) compared to the blood vessels surrounding the alveoli. Oxygen molecules move from an area of high concentration (alveoli) to an area of low concentration (bloodstream) to reach equilibrium. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the movement of oxygen in this context is primarily driven by passive diffusion, not by the activity of carbonic anhydrase, carbaminohemoglobin, or active transport.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: as oxyhemoglobin. Oxygen is primarily carried in the blood by binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells to form oxyhemoglobin. This allows for efficient transport of oxygen to tissues. Choice A is incorrect because only a small amount of oxygen is dissolved in plasma. Choice C is incorrect as carboxyhemoglobin refers to carbon monoxide binding to hemoglobin, not oxygen. Choice D is incorrect as the majority of carbon dioxide is transported as bicarbonate, not oxygen.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Residual volume. After maximum forceful expiration, residual volume is the volume of air left in the lungs to prevent lung collapse. Total lung capacity (A) is the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold. Vital capacity (C) is the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation. Tidal volume (D) is the volume of air moved in and out of the lungs during normal breathing, not after a forceful expiration.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 3 and 2. The right lung has 3 lobes (upper, middle, lower), while the left lung has 2 lobes (upper and lower). This is due to the presence of the heart on the left side, occupying space that limits the left lung to 2 lobes. Option A is incorrect as the left lung has only 2 lobes. Option B is incorrect as both lungs have different numbers of lobes. Option D is incorrect as the right lung typically has 3 lobes, not 4.