Which of the following statements about the chloride shift is false?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the chloride shift actually causes RBCs to shrink, not swell. During the chloride shift, chloride ions move out of RBCs in exchange for bicarbonate ions to maintain electrochemical equilibrium. This process helps maintain pH balance in blood. Choices A and B are correct as they accurately describe aspects of the chloride shift. Choice D is incorrect because the chloride shift is primarily driven by a decrease in PCO2, not a rise.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: pulmonary ventilation. Atmospheric pressure plays a crucial role in pulmonary ventilation by creating a pressure gradient that allows air to flow into and out of the lungs during inhalation and exhalation. When the atmospheric pressure is higher than the pressure inside the lungs, air moves in (inhalation); when the pressure inside the lungs is higher, air moves out (exhalation). Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Production of pulmonary surfactant is not directly influenced by atmospheric pressure. Pulmonary surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli to prevent collapse. C: Resistance in the respiratory system is mainly influenced by airway diameter and elasticity of the lungs, not atmospheric pressure. D: Surface tension in the alveoli is affected by pulmonary surfactant, not atmospheric pressure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: tympanic membrane because it separates the middle ear from the outer ear. The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, vibrates in response to sound waves and transmits these vibrations to the middle ear. The oval window (A) is a membrane-covered opening in the inner ear that receives vibrations from the stapes bone. The round window (B) is a membrane-covered opening that equalizes pressure within the inner ear. The malleus (C) is a small bone in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the incus. Therefore, the tympanic membrane is the correct answer as it physically separates the middle ear from the outer ear.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Both A and B. "SOB" is the abbreviation for shortness of breath, while "dyspnea" is the medical term for difficulty breathing. Both terms are used interchangeably to describe the sensation of breathing difficulty. Choosing C is correct because it encompasses both terms that are synonymous with the medical condition. Option D is incorrect because there are appropriate terms for shortness of breathing, which are provided in options A and B. Option A is incorrect because it only provides the abbreviation for the term without the actual medical term. Option B is incorrect because it only provides one of the terms used to describe shortness of breathing, while the correct answer includes both terms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a CPAP mask delivers a constant positive pressure to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing airway collapse and interruptions in breathing. This helps improve oxygenation and reduce the frequency of apnea episodes. Choice B is incorrect as intubation is not required with CPAP. Choice C is incorrect as CPAP does not deliver oxygen, it only provides pressurized air. Choice D is incorrect as CPAP delivers positive pressure, not negative pressure, to support breathing.