The nurse is caring for a client with asthma. The client asks the nurse what structures make up the upper respiratory tract. Which response by the num the most appropriate?

A) The amount of blood pumped by the heart through the circulatory system in 1 minute.
This statement describes cardiac output, which is the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute. Cardiac output is not directly related to the process of digestion.

B) Smooth muscle movement of the GI tract by way of contractions.
This statement describes peristalsis, which is the rhythmic contraction of smooth muscles in the GI tract that propels food and digestive contents through the digestive system. While peristalsis is an essential aspect of digestion, it does not encompass the entire process.

C) Neutralization by use of bicarbonate from pancreatic and biliary secretions.
This statement describes the role of bicarbonate in neutralizing stomach acid in the small intestine. Bicarbonate is released from pancreatic and biliary secretions to neutralize acidic chyme from the stomach, creating a more favorable environment for digestive enzymes to function. While this is an important aspect of digestion, it does not fully encompass the entire process.

D) It is the process when food is broken down into molecules that can be absorbed.
Digestion refers to the process by which food is broken down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. This process occurs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and involves the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are then absorbed across the lining of the GI tract and transported to cells throughout the body for energy, growth, and repair.

A) Theophylline:
Theophylline is a bronchodilator medication that is used for the long-term management of asthma, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta agonists like albuterol.

B) Montelukast:
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for the long-term management of asthma, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta agonists like albuterol.

C) Albuterol.
The patient is presenting with symptoms consistent with an asthma exacerbation, including shortness of breath, increased work of breathing, expiratory wheezing, and a history of asthma. Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist bronchodilator commonly used as the first-line treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. It acts quickly to relax bronchial smooth muscles, relieve bronchoconstriction, and improve airflow, which can help alleviate the patient's symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing.

D) Salmeterol:
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist bronchodilator that is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta agonists like albuterol, and it is not recommended for rapid relief of acute symptoms.