A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a contributing factor to the client's manifestations?
Inability to exhale retained carbon dioxide
Acute loss of alveolar elasticity
Decreased responsiveness of airways to allergens
Suppressed bronchiolar inflammatory response
The Correct Answer is A
An acute asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms happen because the airways in the lungs become narrow, irritated, swollen, and produce excess mucus.
An asthma attack can be triggered by various factors, such as allergic reactions, respiratory infections, tobacco smoke, cold air, and exercise. These triggers cause the immune system to react and release chemicals that cause inflammation and constriction of the airways.
Based on this information, the best answer to the question is a. Inability to exhale retained carbon dioxide. This is because during an asthma attack, the narrowed airways make it harder to exhale the air from the lungs, which leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can worsen the symptoms and cause acidosis, a condition where the blood becomes too acidic.
The other options are not correct because:
b. Acute loss of alveolar elasticity is not a cause of asthma attacks, but a consequence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a different lung condition that involves damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs.
c. Decreased responsiveness of airways to allergens is not a cause of asthma attacks, but a goal of asthma treatment. Asthma medications aim to reduce the sensitivity and inflammation of the airways to prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
d. Suppressed bronchiolar inflammatory response is not a cause of asthma attacks, but a potential side effect of some asthma medications, such as corticosteroids. These drugs can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections in the airways.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Back pain is a common symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which occurs when the recipient's immune system attacks and destroys the donor's red blood cells. Other symptoms include fever, chills, dyspnea, chest pain, hypotension, tachycardia, hemoglobinuria, and jaundice. A hemolytic transfusion reaction is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A chest physiotherapy vest is a device that delivers high-frequency chest wall oscillation to loosen and mobilize mucus from the airways . This helps improve lung function and prevent respiratory infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, who have thick and sticky mucus production . A peak flow meter is used to measure the peak expiratory flow rate, which reflects the degree of airway obstruction in patients with asthma .
An NG tube with suction apparatus is used to decompress the stomach and remove gastric contents in patients with bowel obstruction, paralytic ileus, or gastroparesis . A chest tube with a drainage system is used to remove air or fluid from the pleural space in patients with pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion .
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