The lungs are covered by two membranes called as?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

Explanation

The lungs are covered by a double-layered serous membrane called the pleura.
This membrane consists of two layers: the visceral pleura, which adheres to the lung surface, and the parietal pleura, which lines the thoracic cavity.
Between these two layers is the pleural cavity, containing fluid that lubricates and allows for smooth lung movement during breathing.
This structure is crucial for maintaining lung expansion and function.

Option A: Veins are blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart. They are part of the circulatory system, not a protective covering for the lungs.
Option B: Air sacs, or alveoli, are the microscopic structures within the lungs where gas exchange takes place. They are the functional parenchyma of the lung, not its outer covering.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct answer, Pleura, is listed among the choices.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the Respiratory System as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the pleura is vital for recognizing and managing conditions like pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura), which causes sharp chest pain with breathing, and pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity), which can compress the lung and cause shortness of breath.
Nurses may assist with procedures like thoracentesis, where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to drain excess fluid, providing symptomatic relief and allowing for diagnostic analysis of the fluid.
What if? If a patient sustains a chest injury that punctures the parietal pleura, air can enter the pleural cavity (a condition called pneumothorax). This breaks the negative pressure seal, causing the lung to collapse and leading to acute respiratory distress, which is a medical emergency.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on anatomical knowledge.
First, read the question carefully to identify the key structure: 'membranes' that 'cover the lungs'.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of respiratory anatomy.
Eliminate 'Veins' as they are blood vessels.
Eliminate 'Air sacs' (alveoli) as they are internal structures for gas exchange.
Identify 'Pleura' as the correct anatomical term for the membranes covering the lungs.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q3TUckzc-ve0wKglqibPiJ

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 706-708

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 106-108

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.