Which membrane surrounds the lungs?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

The pleura is the specific double-layered serous membrane that encloses and protects each lung.
It consists of an inner visceral layer that adheres to the lung surface and an outer parietal layer that lines the thoracic cavity.
The space between these layers, the pleural cavity, contains lubricating fluid to prevent friction during respiration.

Option A: Veins are blood vessels that are part of the circulatory system, responsible for returning deoxygenated blood to the heart; they are not membranes that enclose organs.
Option B: Air sacs, or alveoli, are microscopic structures located inside the lungs where gas exchange occurs. They are the functional units of the lung, not the surrounding membrane.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct answer exists among the choices. The pleura is the correct anatomical term for the membrane surrounding the lungs.

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 and protective linings of the lungs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the pleura is crucial for nurses to recognize and manage conditions like pleurisy (inflammation), pleural effusion (fluid accumulation), and pneumothorax (air in the pleural space).
A key nursing assessment is auscultating for a 'pleural friction rub,' a grating sound that indicates inflamed pleural layers are rubbing against each other, a classic sign of pleurisy.
What if? A patient develops a pneumothorax (collapsed lung). The nurse's priority action would be to assess respiratory distress, administer oxygen as ordered, and prepare for immediate chest tube insertion to re-expand the lung by restoring negative pressure in the pleural space.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'membrane' that 'surrounds the lungs'.
This is a direct anatomical recall question. Access your knowledge of the respiratory system's structure.
Evaluate each option. 'Veins' are blood vessels. 'Air sacs' are internal lung structures. These can be eliminated as they don't 'surround' the entire organ.
Recognize 'Pleura' as the correct anatomical term for the serous membrane covering the lungs.
Since a correct option is identified, 'None of these' is also incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Anatomy of the respiratory system and protective linings of the lungs.
Stem keywords: membrane, surrounds, lungs
Lead-in keywords: Which

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 106-108

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 706-708

Practise the full UP CHO - 2018

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