Which membranes surround the Lungs?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

The pleura is the correct anatomical term for the serous membranes that enclose the lungs.
It is a double-layered membrane consisting of the visceral pleura (covering the lung surface) and the parietal pleura (lining the chest cavity).
The space between these layers, the pleural cavity, contains lubricating fluid that allows for frictionless movement of the lungs during breathing.
This structure is crucial for maintaining lung expansion and facilitating the mechanics of respiration.

Option A: Veins are components of the circulatory system, responsible for transporting blood. They are vessels, not a membranous sac that envelops an organ.
Option B: Air sacs, or alveoli, are the functional units for gas exchange located deep within the lung tissue itself. They do not surround the exterior of the lungs.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct answer, 'Pleura', is provided in the options.

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, specifically the protective coverings of the lungs 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), pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the pleural space), and pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), which can cause lung collapse.
Nurses assess for these conditions by monitoring for pleuritic chest pain (sharp pain on inspiration), diminished breath sounds, and shortness of breath. Management may involve administering pain medication, monitoring respiratory status, and assisting with procedures like thoracentesis or chest tube insertion.
What if? If a patient develops a pneumothorax, the negative pressure in the pleural space is lost, causing the lung to collapse. The nursing priority is to immediately assess for respiratory distress, apply oxygen, and prepare for emergency chest tube insertion to re-establish negative pressure and re-expand the lung.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'membranes' and 'surround the Lungs'. This directs you to look for an anatomical structure that encloses the lungs.
Second, recall the basic anatomy of the thoracic cavity and the respiratory system.
Third, evaluate each option based on your anatomical knowledge. Ask yourself, 'What is the function of this structure?'
Eliminate 'Veins' as they are blood vessels.
Eliminate 'Air sacs' as they are internal components of the lungs for gas exchange.
This leaves 'Pleura' as the correct term for the membranes surrounding the lungs.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Anatomy of the respiratory system, specifically the protective coverings of the lungs.
Stem keywords: membranes, surround, Lungs
Lead-in keywords: Which

QW_ehFFvZEOQeOo7Su9uDD

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 706-708

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 106-108

Practise the full UP CHO - 2018

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