The nurse is performing a respiratory assessment of an adult patient and is attempting to distinguish between vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial (tubular) breath sounds. The nurse should distinguish between these normal breath sounds on what basis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial breath sounds are distinguished based on their location over specific areas of the lung. Vesicular sounds are soft and low-pitched and are heard over most of the lung fields, bronchovesicular sounds are intermediate in pitch and are heard over the major bronchi, and bronchial sounds are loud and high-pitched and are heard over the trachea and larynx. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the distinction between these breath sounds is not based on volume, inspiration or expiration, or continuity of the sounds.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 100 mm Hg. In arterial blood, the partial pressure of oxygen is typically around 100 mm Hg due to the oxygen-rich environment in the lungs. This value represents the pressure exerted by oxygen molecules in the blood. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the normal range of oxygen partial pressure in arterial blood, which is around 100 mm Hg. Option A is too low, option C is slightly below the normal range, and option D is slightly above the normal range. Therefore, B is the most accurate representation of the typical partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: less than hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen when the BPG level is low. When the 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG) level is high, it binds to hemoglobin and decreases its affinity for oxygen. This results in easier unloading of oxygen to tissues. In contrast, when the BPG level is low, hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen is higher, making it harder to release oxygen to tissues. Choices A and C are incorrect because high BPG levels decrease hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, making it less than when BPG levels are low. Choice D is incorrect because pH levels do not directly affect hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen in the context of this question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because vital capacity actually decreases with age due to changes in lung elasticity and muscle strength. A is correct as aging causes the lungs to lose elastic tissue. B is correct as lung compliance changes with age. D is correct as respiratory muscles weaken over time. Therefore, only option C is false in the context of age-related changes in lung function.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Left ventricle. The left ventricle is the chamber responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body, making it the most commonly affected in heart failure. When the left ventricle weakens or becomes stiff, it can lead to inefficient pumping, causing fluid buildup and symptoms of heart failure. The other choices, A: Left atrium, B: Right atrium, and D: Right ventricle, are less commonly affected in heart failure as they have different functions in the heart's circulation.