A male, lifetime smoker has died because of chronic obstructive ...

[elizabeth18]

A male, lifetime smoker has died because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the following phenomena regarding his alveoli would his care team expect in the weeks prior to his death?
 
  A)
  Proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells in the alveolar lumen
  B)
  Large numbers of alveolar macrophages in septal connective tissue
  C)
  The presence of tubercles in the interalveolar spaces
  D)
  Compensatory regeneration of type I alveolar cells

Question 2

An 81-year-old male resident of a long-term care facility has a long-standing diagnosis of heart failure. Which of the following short-term and longer-term compensatory mechanisms are least likely to decrease the symptoms of his heart failure?
 
  A)
  An increase in preload via the Frank-Starling mechanism
  B)
  Sympathetic stimulation and increased serum levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine
  C)
  Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and secretion of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
  D)
  AV node pacemaking activity and vagal nerve suppression

[iman]

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
B

Feedback:

Smokers often retain large numbers of carbon-filled macrophages in their septal connective tissue. NK cell proliferation is not a noted phenomenon in the alveoli, and tubercles are associated specifically with tuberculosis infection. Type I alveoli are incapable of regeneration.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
D

Feedback:

Reassignment of cardiac pacemaking activities and suppression of the vagal nerve are not noted compensatory actions related to heart failure. Increased preload and sympathetic stimulation, increased levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine, and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and secretion of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are all noted compensatory mechanisms.