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 ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
B. Beta-blocking medications, such as propranolol and metoprolol, can worsen asthma symptoms in some individuals by constricting the airways. Patients with asthma should avoid or use caution with beta-blockers, especially non-selective ones, as they can trigger or exacerbate asthma attacks.
C. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a well-established trigger for asthma symptoms and can exacerbate respiratory inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Patients with asthma should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke whenever possible to reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations.
D. Carpeting and drapes can harbor dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens that can trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. Patients with asthma may benefit from removing carpeting and minimizing soft furnishings in the bedroom to reduce exposure to allergens and improve air quality.
E. Pets, particularly those with fur or feathers, can be potent allergens for individuals with asthma. Patients with asthma should consider removing pets from the home or at least keeping them out of the bedroom to minimize exposure to pet dander.
A. Cardiovascular exercise can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals but it is not typically recommended to eliminate exercise altogether. Instead, patients with asthma should be encouraged to engage in physical activities that are well-tolerated and to use appropriate preventive measures, such as pre-exercise bronchodilator therapy and warm-up exercises, to minimize symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Pursed lip breathing is a technique that can help patients with acute dyspnea by improving ventilation, prolonging exhalation, and reducing the work of breathing. It helps to keep the airways open longer and makes it easier to get rid of excess carbon dioxide, which can provide quick relief from acute shortness of breath.
A. Teaching the patient about using accessory muscles for breathing can be beneficial in managing chronic respiratory issues, but it is not an immediate intervention.
B. Understanding the cause of dyspnea is important for treatment planning but it is not the first action to take when the patient is experiencing acute shortness of breath.
D. The Sims position, where the patient lies on their side with the lower arm behind the back and the upper leg flexed, is not typically used for relieving acute respiratory distress.
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