Respiratory System 10 Marks Long Answers | NursingNotesGNM

 

 Respiratory System – Long Answer (10 Marks) Questions with Answers (GNM / Nursing)

By NursingNotesGNM | Updated for GNM Final Exam 2026

✨ Introduction

These Respiratory System 10 marks long answer questions with answers are prepared for GNM 1st year, ANM, and BSc Nursing students. Useful for final exams, internal assessments, and deep concept revision.


✍️ Respiratory System – Long Answer Questions (10 Marks)

1. Describe the anatomy of the respiratory system.

The respiratory system consists of upper and lower respiratory tract. The upper tract includes nose, pharynx, and larynx. The lower tract includes trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, and alveoli. The nose filters, warms, and moistens air. The trachea conducts air to bronchi, which divide into bronchioles inside the lungs. Alveoli are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. The lungs are covered by pleura. Breathing movements are assisted by intercostal muscles and diaphragm.


2. Explain the physiology of respiration.

Respiration includes pulmonary ventilation, exchange of gases, transport of gases, and cellular respiration. Pulmonary ventilation involves inspiration and expiration. Oxygen diffuses from alveoli into blood and carbon dioxide diffuses from blood into alveoli. Oxygen is transported by hemoglobin. Cellular respiration occurs in mitochondria where oxygen is used to produce energy.


3. Describe the mechanism of breathing.

Breathing occurs in two phases: inspiration and expiration. During inspiration, diaphragm contracts and moves downward, ribs move upward and outward, increasing thoracic volume and drawing air into lungs. During expiration, diaphragm relaxes, ribs move downward, thoracic volume decreases, and air is expelled. Normal breathing is automatic and controlled by respiratory center in medulla.


4. Write the functions of the respiratory system.

• Supplies oxygen to tissues
• Removes carbon dioxide
• Helps in speech production
• Maintains acid–base balance
• Regulates body temperature
• Assists in smell
• Provides defense against microbes


5. Describe normal respiration and its characteristics.

Normal adult respiratory rate is 16–20 breaths per minute. Breathing is quiet, regular, effortless, and symmetrical. Chest expansion is equal on both sides. There is no use of accessory muscles. Skin color remains normal and there is no cyanosis.


6. Explain abnormal breathing patterns.

Abnormal respiration includes tachypnea (fast breathing), bradypnea (slow breathing), apnea (absence of breathing), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), cyanosis (bluish discoloration due to lack of oxygen), hypopnea (shallow breathing), hyperpnea (deep breathing), and Cheyne–Stokes respiration (irregular breathing with periods of apnea).


7. Describe alveoli and their role in respiration.

Alveoli are microscopic air sacs in lungs surrounded by capillaries. Their thin walls allow diffusion of oxygen into blood and carbon dioxide out of blood. They provide large surface area for efficient gas exchange.


8. Explain the role of hemoglobin in gas transport.

Hemoglobin present in red blood cells transports oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs. Oxygen combines with hemoglobin forming oxyhemoglobin, ensuring adequate oxygen supply to body cells.


🌟 Conclusion

These respiratory system 10 marks long answers help nursing students understand concepts in depth and score well in exams. Regular revision improves clarity and confidence.


📌 Educational Disclaimer

This content is created for educational purposes only to support nursing exam preparation.

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