NCLEX-PN : NCLEX
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Example Questions
Example Question #305 : General Biology
What are the two types of alveolar cells?
Primary and secondary cells
Type I and type II
Interstitial cells and active cells
A cells and B cells
Type I and type II
There are two types of alveolar cells: type I cells and type II cells. Each cell type has a unique function within the alveolus, and the dysfunction of either cell type results in serious respiratory pathology. Type I cells are simple squamous epithelial cells that account for about 95% of all alveolar cells. They are the primary cells responsible for diffusion of gasses across the respiratory membranes. Type I alveolar cells are responsible for secreting surfactant, which facilitates the diffusion of substances across the epithelium.
Example Question #306 : General Biology
When the diaphragm contracts, lung volume __________.
compresses
increases
diffuses
decreases
increases
The diaphragm is a thin sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. At rest, it is drawn upward into a dome-like shape under the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, the dome flattens out, which increases the size of the thoracic cavity. The negative pressure allows the lungs to expand and fill with air, causing an increase in total lung volume (inhalation).
Example Question #1 : Upper Respiratory Tract
What chamber of the upper respiratory tract is shared by both the respiratory and digestive systems?
The sinuses
The esophagus
The pharynx
The soft palate
The pharynx
The only chamber of the upper respiratory tract that is shared by both the respiratory and the digestive systems is the pharynx. The pharynx is the part of the throat that is immediately posterior to the mouth and the nasal cavity, and superior to the trachea, larynx, and esophagus.
Example Question #612 : Nclex
Which of the following is not a division of the pharynx?
The oropharynx
The nasopharynx
The sinopharynx
The laryngopharynx
The sinopharynx
The pharynx is made up of three divisions: the laryngopharynx, the oropharynx, and the nasopharynx. There is no portion of the pharynx called the sinopharynx.
Example Question #307 : General Biology
Which of the following pairs of sinus is absent at birth, and is not fully developed until puberty?
The frontal sinus
The sphenoid sinus
The maxillary sinus
The ethmoid sinus
The frontal sinus
The frontal sinuses are not present at birth. They begin to develop in the first few years of life, but they are not fully mature until after adolescence. The sphenoid, maxillary, and ethmoid sinuses are present at birth, though they are underdeveloped and similarly do not mature fully till late childhood or adolescence.
Example Question #311 : General Biology
Which of the following is a flap of cartilage that covers the opening of the windpipe during swallowing to prevent aspiration?
The tracheal cartilage
The epiglottis
The hyoid
The cricoid cartilage
The epiglottis
The small flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe to prevent aspiration during swallowing is the epiglottis. It is located at the base of the tongue and attached to the entrance of the larynx.
Example Question #614 : Nclex
Which of the following maintains the lumen of the trachea?
Air pressure within the respiratory tract
The cervical spine
The tracheal cartilages
The infrahyoid muscles
The tracheal cartilages
The lumen of the trachea is maintained by the tracheal cartilages, a set of approximately 20 separate c-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage. The non-continuous cartilage allows for greater flexibility during inspiration and expiration.
Example Question #1 : Upper Respiratory Tract
Which of the following best describes the epithelium of the trachea?
Pseudostratified columnar cells with cilia and goblet cells.
Stratified squamous epithelium with cilia and goblet cells.
Transitional cells with cilia and goblet cells.
Cuboidal epithelium with cilia and goblet cells.
Pseudostratified columnar cells with cilia and goblet cells.
The epithelium of the trachea is made up of pseudostratified columnar cells with cilia and goblet cells.
Example Question #3 : Upper Respiratory Tract
What structure is directly posterior to the trachea?
The pharynx
The esophagus
The thyroid gland
The cervical spine
The esophagus
The esophagus is directly posterior to the trachea, and the cervical spine is posterior to the esophagus. The thyroid gland is anterior to the trachea. The pharynx is superior to both the trachea and the esophagus.
Example Question #6 : Upper Respiratory Tract
What does the trachea bifurcate into?
Left and right primary bronchioles
Left and right primary bronchi
Left and right secondary bronchi
Left and right secondary bronchioles
Left and right primary bronchi
The trachea bifurcates into the left and right primary bronchi. This occurs at a location called the carina, which is at the level of T4-T5.
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