Essentials of Cardiopulmonary Physical
Therapy 4th Edition Hillegass Test Bank
Chapter 01: Anatomy of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems
Hillegass: Essentials of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy, 4th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
- Which of the following chest wall structures is located level with the second costal cartilage
anteriorly and thoracic vertebra T4 and T5 posteriorly?
a. Sternal angle
b. Jugular notch
c. Xiphoid process
d. Third costal cartilage
ANS: A
The sternal angle of the “angle of Louis” is level with the second costal cartilage anteriorly
and thoracic vertebrae T4 and T5 posteriorly.
PTS: 1 - Pectus excavatum is BEST described as:
a. deformity of the sternum caused by trauma.
b. caved-in appearance of the chest.
c. diminished rib angle anteriorly.
d. conical shape of the thoracic cage.
ANS: B
Pectus excavatum is a common congenital deformity of the anterior wall of the chest, in
which several ribs and the steNrnUuRmSgIroNwGaTbnBo.rmCaOllMy; it produces a caved-in or sunken
appearance of the chest.
PTS: 1 - The true ribs are BEST defined by which of the following statements?
a. Vertebrochondral ribs
b. Vertebrosternal ribs
c. Ribs 11 and 12
d. Ribs 8, 9, and 10
ANS: B
The first seven ribs attach via their costal cartilages to the sternum and are called the true ribs
(also known as the vertebrosternal ribs).
PTS: 1 - Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate for a patient with lower rib
fractures?
a. Short, shallow breaths
b. Pursed lip breathing
c. Deep breaths with splinting
d. Breathing with arms raised
ANS: C
U S N T O
It is important for all therapists to recommend breathing (deep breathing), splinting (i.e.,
pillow), and coughing strategies for patients with rib fractures.
PTS: 1
- Which of the following positions facilitates greater excursion of both hemidiaphragms at rest?
a. Supine position
b. Side-lying position
c. Standing position
d. Sitting position
ANS: A
In the supine position, without the effects of gravity, the level of the diaphragm in the thoracic
cavity rises. This allows for a relatively greater excursion.
PTS: 1 - Which of the following muscles help to achieve the active process of inspiration at rest in a
normal, nonsmoking individual?
a. Sternocleidomastoid
b. Diaphragm
c. Abdominal muscles
d. Trapezius
ANS: B
The diaphragm and internal intercostals (intercartilaginous portion) are the essential muscles
to achieve the active process of inspiration at rest. Abdominal muscles assist with expiration.
The sternocleidomastoid andNtrapReziIus aGre aBcc.esCsorMy muscles and assist with a more forceful
inspiration.
PTS: 1 - Which of the following accessory muscles of ventilation function to elevate and fix the first
and second ribs?
a. Sternocleidomastoid muscle
b. Serratus anterior
c. Latissimus dorsi
d. Scalene muscle
ANS: D
The scalene muscles lie deep to the sternocleidomastoid, but may be palpated in the posterior
triangle of the neck. These muscles function as a unit to elevate and fix the first and second
ribs. The sternocleidomastoid muscle elevates the sternum.
PTS: 1 - When the arms and shoulders are fixed, by leaning on the elbows or grasping onto a table, this
muscle can use its insertion as its origin and facilitate an increase in the A-P diameter of the
thorax.
a. Upper trapezius
b. Pectoralis major
c. Sternocleidomastoid
d. Serratus anterior
ANS: B
When the insertion and origin of the pectoralis muscle are reversed by leaning on a table to fix
the arms, the muscle will pull on the anterior chest wall, lifting the ribs and sternum to
increase the A-P diameter of the thoracic cage.
PTS: 1
- The serous fluid within the pleural space serves to provide which of the following functions?
a. Create a constant negative pressure.
b. Assist with venous return of blood to the heart.
c. Reduce friction between the lungs and thoracic wall.
d. Serve to allow separation of the pleural layers.
ANS: C
The serous fluid within the pleural space serves to hold the pleural layers together during
ventilation and reduce friction between the lungs and thoracic wall. The space creates a
negative pressure to maintain lung inflation, not the fluid itself.
PTS: 1 - Irritation of the phrenic nerve supplied pleura results in which of the following pain referral
patterns?
a. Thoracic wall
b. Abdominal wall
c. Mediasternal region
d. Lower neck and shoulder
ANS: D
Irritation of the phrenic nerve supplied pleura can result in referred pain in the lower neck and
shoulder, whereas, irritation of the intercostally innervated pleura may result in referral of
pain to the thoracic or abdominal wall.
PTS: 1 - An abnormal pleural friction rub on auscultation BEST indicates which of the following?
a. Infection with a resultant inflammatory response within the pleura
b. A buildup of fluid in the pleural space following cardiothoracic surgery
c. The presence of blood in the pleural space
d. A bacterial infection with resultant pus in the pleural space
ANS: A
Infection with a resultant inflammatory response within the pleura is termed pleuritis or
pleurisy and is best appreciated through the presence of pleural chest pain and an abnormal
pleural friction rub on auscultation. A buildup of fluid, blood, or air in the space would result
in diminished or absent breath sounds in the area.
PTS: 1 - The presence of four segments (anterior basal, superior basal, lateral basal, and posterior
basal) BEST describes which of the following lobes?
U S N T O
a. Right upper lobe
b. Left upper lobe
c. Right middle lobe
d. Right lower lobe
ANS: D
The lowermost lobe, the right lower lobe, consist of four segments (anterior basal, superior
basal, lateral basal, and posterior basal).
PTS: 1
- The physical therapist performs auscultation of the lateral portion of right middle lobe. Which
of the following stethoscope locations BEST identifies this lung segment?
a. Adjacent to the fifth rib lateral right chest wall
b. Adjacent to third to fifth rib posterior right chest wall
c. Adjacent to the fourth rib lateral right chest wall
d. Adjacent to the eighth thoracic vertebra lateral chest wall
ANS: A
The right middle lobe is subdivided into the lateral and medial lobes. This lobe is the smallest
of the three lobes. Its inferior border is adjacent to the fifth rib laterally and sixth rib medially.
PTS: 1 - The BEST reason why a physical therapist should acquire an understanding of the various
lobes and segments and their anatomical orientation is which of the following?
a. Provide tactile feedback for segmental breathing.
b. Placement of a stethoscopNe foRr auIscuGltatBio.n.C M
c. Perform appropriate positioning during pulmonary hygiene.
d. Educate patients on best positioning during coughing.
ANS: C
An understanding of the various lobes and segments and their anatomical orientation is
important for placement of a stethoscope during auscultation, but is more essential when the
therapist is using positions to facilitate removal of secretions from various aspects of the lung
during bronchopulmonary hygiene intervention.
PTS: 1 - Which of the following upper respiratory structures provide humidification?
a. Nasopharynx
b. Pharynx
c. Larynx
d. Nasal cavity
ANS: D
The primary respiratory functions of the nasal cavity include air conduction, filtration,
humidification, and temperature control.
PTS: 1