1.

In the physics of diffusion and partial

pressures of gases, which of the
following statements is/are TRUE?
1) The pressure of gas acting on the
surfaces of the respiratory passages
and alveoli is inversely proportional to
the
concentration
of
the
gas
molecules.
2) If the partial pressure of carbon
dioxide is greater in the gas phase in
the alveoli, then more molecules will
diffuse into the blood.
3) If the partial pressure of oxygen is
greater in the dissolved state in the
blood, then more molecules will
diffuse toward the alveoli.
4) The partial pressure of a gas in a
solution is determined not only by its
concentration but also by the solubility
coefficient of the gas.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2 only
1, 3 and 4
3 and 4
4 only
None of the above

2. There are several factors that affect

the rate of gas diffusion in a fluid. All
of the following are TRUE EXCEPT
ONE:
a. The greater the solubility of the gas,
the greater the number of molecules
available to diffuse for any given
partial pressure difference.
b. The greater the cross-sectional area of
the diffusion pathway, the greater the
total number of molecules that diffuse.
c. The greater the velocity of kinetic
movement of the molecules, which is
directly proportional to the square root
of the molecular weight, the greater
the rate of diffusion of the gas.
d. The
greater
the
distance
the
molecules must diffuse, the longer it
will take the molecules to diffuse the
entire distance.
3. In physiological dead space, all of
the following is TRUE EXCEPT ONE:

a. When ventilation of some of the

alveoli is great but alveolar blood flow
is high, there is far more available
oxygen in the alveoli than can be
transported away from the alveoli by
the flowing blood.
b. When the physiological dead space is
great, much of the work of ventilation
is wasted effort because so much of
the ventilating air never reaches the
blood.
c. VA/Q is greater than 2.5 times normal
at the top of the lung.
d. A decrease in physiological dead
space occurs during exercise because
blood flow to the upper part of the
lung increases.
4. In physiologic shunt, which of the
following is/are FALSE?
1) When VA/Q is below normal, there is
adequate ventilation to provide the O2
needed to fully oxygenate the blood
flowing
through
the
alveolar
capillaries.
2) The greater the physiological shunt,
the
lesser
the
amount
of
unoxygenated blood as it passes
through the lungs.
3) VA/Q is as low as 0.6 times the ideal
value at the bottom of the lung.
4) In chronic obstructive lung disease, all
areas of the lung exhibit serious
physiological shunt.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

1 only
1 and 2
3 only
1, 2 and 4
None of the above

5. The partial pressure of oxygen in the

atmosphere in comparison to the
lung is:
a. Lower, this allows for the movement of
oxygen into the lungs via a pressure
gradient
b. Higher, this allows for the movement
of oxygen into the lungs via a pressure
gradient

c. Higher, this allows for the movement

of carbon dioxide into the lungs via a
pressure gradient
d. Equal, this allows for even exchange of
oxygen into the lung and carbon
dioxide out

6. Which of the following statements

regarding gas exchange is CORRECT?
a. Gas exchange between the alveoli and
the pulmonary capillaries is dependent
on PCO2.
b. Gas exchange between the alveoli and
the pulmonary capillaries is dependent
on nitrogen.
c. Gas exchange between the alveoli and
the pulmonary capillaries is dependent
on both PO2 and PCO2.
d. Gas exchange between the alveoli and
the pulmonary capillaries is dependent
on PO2.
7. Which of the following explains the
reason for a lower concentration of
oxygen in the lungs compared to the
oxygen concentration in the air?
a. The concentration gradient between
blood and alveoli causes oxygen
diffusion into the alveoli
b. Inspired air mixes with residual air,
lowering the partial pressure of
oxygen within the alveoli
c. The lung completely deflates, lowering
the partial pressure of oxygen within
the alveoli
d. The respiratory quotient is equivalent
to 1 because fats and proteins are
used for fuel sources
8. Multiple breaths are required to
exchange most of the alveolar air.
When Mr. Hopes rate of alveolar
ventilation is only normal, how
many seconds will it take for him to
remove the gas?
a. 8 seconds
b. 17 seconds

c. 34 seconds
d. 43 seconds
9. What happens when VentilationPerfusion equal to infinity?
a. Air in the alveoli comes to equilibrium
to humidified inspired air with PO2 of
149mmHg and PCO2 of 0mmHg.
b. Alveolar ventilation is equal to alveolar
capillary blood flow with PO2 of
104mmHg and PCO2 of 40mmHg.
c. Alveolar ventilation is not equal to
alveolar capillary blood flow with PO 2
of 104mmHg and PCO2 of 40mmHg.
d. Air in the alveoli comes to equilibrium
with the blood O2 and CO2 with PO2 of
40mmHg and PCO2 of 45mmHg.
10.
During exercise, what happens to
the diffusing capacity for oxygen and
carbon dioxide?
1) There is better match in ventilationperfusion ratio.
2) O2 diffusing capacity increases to
65ml/min/mmHg
3) CO2 diffusing capacity increases to
1200-1300ml/min/mmHg
4) Opening up of dormant capillaries
5) Extra
dilation
of
already
open
capillaries
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

1 only
2 and 3 only
1, 4 and 5
All of the above
None of the above

Answer Key:
1. D
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. B
6. C
7. B
8. C
9. A
10.D