Which of the following is the most common comorbidity of a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP)?
COPD
Sarcoidosis
Lung cancer
Cystic fibrosis
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
COPD is a chronic lung condition characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Individuals with COPD often have underlying structural lung changes, such as emphysematous bullae or blebs. These areas of weakened lung tissue are prone to rupture, leading to the development of pneumothorax. Additionally, the chronic inflammation and damage to the airways and lung parenchyma in COPD contribute to the development of pneumothorax.
Choice B Reason:
Sarcoidosis is incorrect. Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease that primarily affects the lungs and lymph nodes. While it can cause lung damage and lead to pneumothorax, it is less common than COPD as a comorbidity associated with SSP.
Choice C Reason:
Lung cancer is incorrect. Lung cancer can lead to pneumothorax, especially if the tumor erodes into the pleural space. However, SSP is more commonly associated with underlying lung diseases like COPD rather than lung cancer.
Choice D Reason:
Cystic fibrosis is incorrect. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal mucus production and impaired clearance in various organs, including the lungs. While individuals with cystic fibrosis are at increased risk of pneumothorax due to underlying lung disease, SSP is less commonly seen in this population compared to COPD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Flail chest is incorrect. Flail chest is a condition characterized by multiple rib fractures, causing instability in the chest wall. While it can lead to respiratory distress, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. Instead, it impairs the mechanics of breathing by compromising chest wall integrity.
Choice B Reason:
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where the alveolar walls are destroyed, leading to a loss of surface area for gas exchange. This results in areas of the lungs that are well-perfused but poorly ventilated, causing a V/Q mismatch. The damage to alveoli leads to impaired ventilation, while blood flow may still be adequate, leading to hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood).
Choice C Reason:
CHF primarily affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. However, it typically causes diffusion defects rather than a direct ventilation-perfusion mismatch. V/Q mismatch may occur secondary to pulmonary edema, but it’s not the primary mechanism of respiratory failure in CHF.
Choice D Reason:
Guillain-Barré syndrome is incorrect. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. While respiratory muscle weakness can occur in GBS, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. GBS primarily affects nerve function rather than lung function.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
"The nerves just go to sleep when I lie down because no message gets from my brain to the spinal cord." is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the mechanism of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy in diabetes is not simply the nerves "going to sleep" due to lack of communication between the brain and spinal cord.
Choice B Reason:
"The nerve damage may occur for unknown reasons in any individual" is incorrect because while the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy may not always be known, in the context of diabetes mellitus, the link between elevated blood sugar levels and nerve damage is well-established.
Choice C Reason:
"The older I get, there is less blood flowing to my feet. “is incorrect because while decreased blood flow (ischemia) can contribute to peripheral neuropathy in some cases, the primary mechanism in diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage due to hyperglycemia rather than reduced blood flow.
Choice D Reason:
"The elevated blood sugar from my diabetes can cause underlying nerve damage." Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, particularly when the condition is uncontrolled. Elevated blood sugar levels over time can lead to damage to the nerves, especially those in the feet and legs. This damage can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or pain in the affected areas.
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