A patient has a mitral valve disorder. Which physiologic consequence is most likely to result from this condition?

• Impaired blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle

• Reduced oxygen exchange in the alveoli

• Backflow of blood into the left atrium during ventricular systole

• Obstructed flow through the pulmonary valve

The nurse notes decreased cardiac output in a patient with left ventricular failure. Which physiological explanation best supports this finding?

• Increased blood flow to the lungs

• Decreased stroke volume due to impaired ventricular contraction

• Excess preload resulting from venous constriction

• Elevated SA node activity

A patient has damage to the SA node. What change in cardiac function would the nurse expect to observe?

• Impaired ventricular contraction due to afterload increase

• Decreased oxygen uptake in the alveoli

• Irregular atrial rhythm and/or decreased heart rate

• Elevated end-diastolic pressure in the ventricles

A patient with a tracheal obstruction presents with cyanosis and dyspnea. Based on analysis of the respiratory system’s structure, which process is directly impaired?

• Gas exchange at the alveolar membrane

• Expansion of the chest wall

• Airflow from the larynx to the bronchi

• Oxygen transport by hemoglobin

A nurse assesses a patient with aortic valve stenosis. Which clinical manifestation is most consistent with the underlying pathophysiology?

• Increased pulmonary capillary pressure

• Reduced oxygenation due to alveolar collapse

• Decreased systemic blood flow and hypotension

• Regurgitation of blood into the left atrium

A patient with impaired diaphragmatic movement is exhibiting shallow, rapid breathing. What is the most likely impact on gas exchange?

• Increased oxygen saturation due to reduced alveolar pressure

• Decreased tidal volume resulting in inadequate alveolar ventilation

• Greater retention of CO₂ due to slower respiratory rate

• Increased respiratory muscle strength over time

A nurse is evaluating a patient with low oxygen saturation despite normal hemoglobin levels. Which explanation is most consistent with respiratory system dysfunction?

• The myocardium is overworking due to decreased preload

• Ventilation is impaired at the alveolar level

• Carbon dioxide is not adequately bound to hemoglobin

• Oxygen diffusion into the pulmonary capillaries is increased

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

A patient with right-sided heart failure presents with peripheral edema. Which analysis best explains the underlying mechanism?

• Reduced preload leads to impaired systemic perfusion

• Decreased resistance causes excess blood flow to the lungs

• Blood backs up into the systemic venous circulation

• Left atrial pressure increases due to mitral regurgitation

A nurse is caring for a patient with pulmonary embolism. Which pathophysiological consequence explains the patient’s hypoxemia?

• Decreased diaphragm activity during expiration

• Ventilation-perfusion mismatch at the alveolar-capillary level

• Increased diffusion rate of oxygen through thickened alveoli

• Elevated systemic vascular resistance impairing oxygen delivery

During assessment of a patient in respiratory distress, the nurse notes use of accessory muscles and nasal flaring. Which analysis of respiratory mechanics best explains these findings?

• Increased elastic recoil of the lungs during exhalation

• Elevated atmospheric pressure improving air movement

• Increased work of breathing due to airway obstruction or stiff lungs

• Compensatory bradycardia due to vagal stimulation