When assessing an individual during an acute (severe) asthma episode, you should expect to find (select all that apply)
use of accessory breathing muscles.
foul-smelling sputum.
feeling of chest tightness.
coughing.
expiratory wheezing.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A reason: Use of accessory breathing muscles is a sign of respiratory distress and increased work of breathing. Accessory muscles are the muscles of the neck, chest, and abdomen that assist the diaphragm and intercostal muscles in breathing. They are normally not used for breathing, but they are recruited when the airway is obstructed or the lung function is impaired.
Choice B reason: Foul-smelling sputum is not a sign of an acute asthma episode. It is a sign of a bacterial infection or a lung abscess. Sputum is the mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. It can have different colors, textures, and odors depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
Choice C reason: Feeling of chest tightness is a sign of an acute asthma episode. It is caused by the bronchoconstriction, or the narrowing of the airways, that occurs during an asthma attack. It can also be accompanied by pain or pressure in the chest.
Choice D reason: Coughing is a sign of an acute asthma episode. It is a reflex action that tries to clear the airways of mucus, irritants, or foreign particles. It can also be triggered by the inflammation and hypersensitivity of the airways that occur during an asthma attack.
Choice E reason: Expiratory wheezing is a sign of an acute asthma episode. It is a high-pitched whistling sound that is heard when the person exhales. It is caused by the turbulent flow of air through the narrowed airways. It can also be heard on inspiration, but it is more prominent on expiration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the preferred agent for the initial treatment of heart failure. Vasodilators are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the resistance to blood flow. They can be used to treat hypertension, angina, and heart failure, but they are usually added to other medications, such as diuretics or beta blockers, to improve the symptoms and outcomes.
Choice B reason: This is the preferred agent for the initial treatment of heart failure. Diuretics are a class of medications that increase the urine output and reduce the fluid retention in the body. They can be used to treat hypertension, edema, and heart failure, as they reduce the preload and afterload on the heart, and decrease the pulmonary congestion and peripheral edema.
Choice C reason: This is not the preferred agent for the initial treatment of heart failure. Calcium channel blockers are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, which cause vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility. They can be used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias, but they are not recommended for most patients with heart failure, as they may worsen the cardiac function and increase the mortality.
Choice D reason: This is not the preferred agent for the initial treatment of heart failure. Direct renin inhibitors are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure by inhibiting the enzyme renin, which initiates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormonal pathway that regulates the blood pressure and fluid balance. They can be used to treat hypertension, but they have not been proven to be effective or safe for patients with heart failure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Albuterol is not used to treat acute allergies. It is a bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and improves airflow. Antihistamines are the drugs of choice for acute allergies.
Choice B reason: Albuterol is not used to treat nasal congestion. It is a bronchodilator that acts on the lungs, not the nose. Decongestants are the drugs of choice for nasal congestion.
Choice C reason: Albuterol is not used to treat dyspnea on exertion. It is a bronchodilator that is used for acute or chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dyspnea on exertion is a symptom of various cardiac or pulmonary disorders that require further evaluation and treatment.
Choice D reason: Albuterol is used to treat acute bronchospasm. It is a bronchodilator that quickly relieves the symptoms of bronchoconstriction, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is often prescribed as a rescue inhaler for patients with asthma or COPD.
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