A newly diagnosed patient asks the nurse to explain asthma. Which of the following explanations by the nurse is correct?
"Your airways are inflamed and spastic."
"You have fluid in your lungs that is causing shortness of breath."
"Your airways are stretched and nonfunctional."
"You have a low-grade infection that keeps your bronchial tree irritated."
The Correct Answer is A
A. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. This inflammation leads to bronchoconstriction, causing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. This description accurately captures the primary pathological features of asthma.
B. Fluid in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema, is not a characteristic of asthma. Pulmonary edema is usually associated with conditions such as heart failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), not asthma.
C. Airway stretching and nonfunctionality are not characteristics of asthma. Conditions like bronchiectasis involve permanent dilation and damage to the airways, leading to chronic infections and impaired clearance of mucus, but this is different from asthma.
D. Asthma is not primarily caused by an infection, although infections can trigger asthma exacerbations. The primary issue in asthma is chronic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways, which are not caused by a low-grade infection but by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Duodenal ulcers are peptic ulcers that develop in the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. They are the most common type of peptic ulcer. The classic symptom of a duodenal ulcer is intermittent upper abdominal pain that occurs about 2 to 3 hours after eating, particularly meals that contain acidic or spicy foods. The pain often wakes the patient from sleep and is relieved by eating or taking antacids.
A. Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, typically over bony prominences. They occur due to impaired blood flow and tissue damage, often in individuals who are bedridden or immobile.
B. Gastric ulcers are peptic ulcers that develop in the lining of the stomach. While gastric ulcers can cause upper abdominal pain, they typically occur shortly after eating or during meals, rather than 3 hours after eating or at night.
C. Esophageal ulcers are peptic ulcers that develop in the lining of the esophagus. They are relatively rare compared to gastric and duodenal ulcers. Esophageal ulcers can cause symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and heartburn, but they are not typically associated with the timing of symptoms described by the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. The alveoli are tiny air sacs within the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Oxygen from inhaled air diffuses across the thin walls of the alveoli into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide moves from the bloodstream into the alveoli to be exhaled.
A. The bronchi are the main airways that branch off from the trachea and lead to the lungs. While the bronchi play a crucial role in conducting air to and from the lungs, gas exchange does not occur in the bronchi themselves.
C. The nasal passages, also known as the nostrils or nares, are the passages through which air enters the respiratory system. While the nasal passages warm, humidify, and filter the air as it enters the body, gas exchange does not occur in this area.
D. The larynx, or voice box, is located at the top of the trachea and is involved in breathing, swallowing, and vocalization. However, gas exchange does not occur in the larynx.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today