All Free Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing MCQs with Answers

• A. Terminal bronchioles
• B. Alveolar sacs
• C. Laryngeal cavity
• D. Main bronchi

Explanation: Alveolar sacs contain thin-walled alveoli surrounded by pulmonary capillaries, allowing rapid diffusion of gases.

• A. It decreases thoracic volume
• B. It increases thoracic volume
• C. It closes the small bronchioles
• D. It increases pressure inside the lungs

Explanation: When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and increases the volume of the thoracic cavity.

• A. Air inhaled during a normal breath
• B. Air exhaled after a normal breath
• C. Air remaining after maximal exhalation
• D. Air moved during forced inspiration

Explanation: Residual volume is the air that remains in the lungs after the strongest possible exhalation.

• A. 2 litres per minute
• B. 4 litres per minute
• C. 6 litres per minute
• D. 12 litres per minute

Explanation: Minute ventilation equals respiratory rate multiplied by tidal volume: 12 × 500 mL = 6000 mL, or 6 litres per minute.

• A. Pulmonary artery
• B. Pulmonary vein
• C. Aorta
• D. Superior vena cava

Explanation: The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary capillaries.

• A. Breathe rapidly through the mouth
• B. Use pursed-lip breathing during exhalation
• C. Hold the breath after every inspiration
• D. Lie flat and breathe shallowly

Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing creates slight back pressure during exhalation and helps keep narrowed airways open longer.

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Internal intercostal muscle
• C. Abdominal muscle
• D. Sternocleidomastoid muscle

Explanation: The diaphragm is the primary muscle used during quiet inspiration. The accessory muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid, are recruited…

• A. Respiratory rate of 30 per minute
• B. Mild dryness of the lips
• C. Reduced appetite at breakfast
• D. Difficulty sleeping overnight

Explanation: Tachypnoea with shallow breathing may indicate inadequate ventilation and developing hypoxaemia, so it requires prompt assessment and…

• A. A fall in arterial carbon dioxide
• B. A rise in arterial carbon dioxide
• C. A rise in blood oxygen above normal
• D. A fall in body temperature

Explanation: A rise in arterial carbon dioxide increases hydrogen ion concentration and stimulates respiratory centres to increase ventilation.

• A. Uvula
• B. Epiglottis
• C. Soft palate
• D. Vocal cord

Explanation: The epiglottis folds downward over the laryngeal opening during swallowing.

• A. It becomes lower than atmospheric pressure
• B. It becomes equal to venous pressure
• C. It becomes higher than atmospheric pressure
• D. It becomes equal to pleural pressure

Explanation: During quiet expiration, the respiratory muscles relax and elastic recoil decreases lung volume.

• A. Tidal ventilation
• B. Alveolar ventilation
• C. Residual ventilation
• D. Inspiratory reserve

Explanation: Alveolar ventilation is the volume of fresh air reaching the alveoli each minute after dead-space air is excluded.

• A. 1,800 mL
• B. 4,200 mL
• C. 6,000 mL
• D. 7,800 mL

Explanation: Alveolar ventilation equals (tidal volume minus dead space) multiplied by respiratory rate: (500 minus 150) × 12 = 4,200 mL per minute.

• A. Parietal pleura
• B. Visceral pleura
• C. Mediastinal fascia
• D. Endothoracic fascia

Explanation: The visceral pleura closely covers the lungs and enters the fissures between lobes.

• A. Respiratory alkalosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Respiratory acidosis
• D. Metabolic acidosis

Explanation: Hypoventilation causes carbon dioxide retention, and carbon dioxide combines with water to increase carbonic acid.

• A. Air in alveoli that receives no blood flow
• B. Air in conducting passages that does not exchange gases
• C. Air remaining after maximum forced expiration
• D. Air exchanged during normal quiet breathing

Explanation: Anatomical dead space includes air in the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea and bronchi, where gas exchange does not occur.

• A. Expiratory wheezing
• B. Pulse rate of 104 beats per minute
• C. Silent chest with increasing drowsiness
• D. Mild anxiety about breathing

Explanation: A silent chest with drowsiness suggests severely reduced airflow and worsening respiratory failure, so airway and breathing take priority.

• A. Pulmonary artery
• B. Pulmonary vein
• C. Superior vena cava
• D. Bronchial artery

Explanation: Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the pulmonary capillaries to the left atrium.

• A. Loss of voluntary swallowing only
• B. Irregular or inadequate breathing
• C. Increased production of surfactant
• D. Improved response to carbon dioxide

Explanation: The medulla contains vital respiratory centres that generate and regulate the basic breathing rhythm.

• A. Haemoglobin releases more oxygen to the tissues
• B. Haemoglobin binds oxygen more strongly in the tissues
• C. Haemoglobin releases less oxygen to the tissues
• D. Haemoglobin stops carrying oxygen in the blood

Explanation: Increased temperature and carbon dioxide reduce haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, shifting the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve to the…