Which age-related changes in the respiratory system cause decreased secretion clearance?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Small airway closure earlier in expiration. As individuals age, changes occur in the respiratory system that can impact secretion clearance. Small airway closure earlier in expiration is a common age-related change that can hinder the effective clearance of secretions from the lungs. This closure can lead to air trapping and impaired gas exchange, making it harder to clear mucus and other secretions, thus increasing the risk of respiratory infections. Option A) Decreased functional cilia is not the correct answer because while cilia function may decline with age, it is not a primary factor contributing to decreased secretion clearance. Cilia play a role in moving mucus out of the airways, but their decline alone does not have as significant an impact as small airway closure. Option B) Decreased force of cough is not the correct answer because while cough strength may diminish with age, it is not the primary reason for decreased secretion clearance. Coughing is a mechanism to clear secretions, but small airway closure has a more direct impact on secretion clearance. Option C) Decreased chest wall compliance is not the correct answer because this factor primarily affects lung expansion and respiratory function but is not directly related to secretion clearance. While decreased chest wall compliance can impact overall lung function, it is not the primary reason for decreased secretion clearance in the respiratory system. Educationally, understanding age-related changes in the respiratory system is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working with older adults. By recognizing these changes and their implications on respiratory function, providers can implement appropriate interventions to support effective secretion clearance and respiratory health in aging individuals.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tracheal respiration is a type of respiration system found in insects and millipedes. This system involves the use of tracheae, which are tiny tubes that deliver oxygen directly to tissues. Insects and millipedes have evolved this efficient respiratory system to support their high metabolic rates. Scorpions and prawns (Choice B), Pila and lobsters (Choice C), and starfish and sea cucumbers (Choice D) do not have tracheal respiration systems. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased CO2 uptake to minimize CO2 tension. The Haldane effect describes how the blood's ability to carry CO2 increases as oxygen levels decrease. When oxygen binds to hemoglobin, it displaces CO2, allowing more CO2 to be carried by the blood. This phenomenon is crucial in the exchange of gases in the lungs and tissues. Choice B is incorrect as the Haldane effect is related to CO2, not O2 tension. Choice C is incorrect as the Haldane effect leads to increased CO2 uptake, not decreased. Choice D is incorrect as it states decreases O2 tension, which is not directly related to the Haldane effect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hiccups are caused by the irritation of the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm muscle responsible for breathing. When the nerve is irritated, it causes the diaphragm to contract involuntarily, leading to the characteristic sound of hiccups. Choice A (Increased inspiration) is incorrect as hiccups are not caused by increased inspiration but rather by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. Choice C (Expanded stomach) is incorrect as hiccups are not directly related to the size of the stomach but rather to nerve irritation. Choice D (Acidity in the stomach) is incorrect as hiccups are not primarily caused by stomach acidity, but by nerve irritation leading to diaphragm contractions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Discard the specimen and assist the patient in obtaining another specimen. It is important to discard the sputum specimen because it has been sitting for 4 hours, which could lead to contamination and inaccurate test results. The nurse should assist the patient in obtaining a fresh specimen to ensure accurate testing. Choice A is incorrect because taking the old specimen to the lab could lead to inaccurate results. Choice C is incorrect because refrigerating the old specimen won't prevent contamination. Choice D is incorrect because adding saline to the old specimen can alter its composition and lead to inaccurate test results.