Pathophysiology of the respiratory system > Pathophysiology
Exam Review
Asthma
Total Questions : 35
Showing 35 questions, Sign in for moreExplanation
A) Incorrect. Asthma is not contagious, and it is not caused by bacteria.
B) Correct. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
C) Incorrect. Asthma is not a skin disorder and does not involve itchy rashes.
D) Incorrect. Asthma is not an autoimmune disorder and does not primarily affect the joints.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Asthma can affect individuals of all age groups, not just the elderly.
B) Incorrect. Asthma primarily affects the respiratory system, not the digestive system.
C) Correct. Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms such as difficulty breathing and wheezing.
D) Incorrect. Asthma is a chronic condition, and while symptoms may improve with treatment, it does not typically resolve on its own within a few days.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Asthma primarily affects the respiratory system, not the cardiovascular system.
B) Incorrect. While there can be a genetic predisposition to asthma, it is not solely a genetic condition.
C) Correct. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to difficulty breathing.
D) Incorrect. Asthma is not a bacterial infection but a chronic respiratory condition.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Asthma is not rare; it is a relatively common chronic condition.
B) Incorrect. Asthma is not caused by a virus but is related to airway inflammation.
C) Incorrect. Asthma is not a skin condition and does not involve hives and itching.
D) Correct. Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Asthma primarily affects the respiratory system, not the joints and muscles.
B) Incorrect. Asthma is not an autoimmune disorder and does not primarily involve inflammation of the skin.
C) Incorrect. While asthma involves inflammation, it is not typically an acute respiratory infection.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Asthma is not primarily caused by bacterial infections.
B) Incorrect. While excess mucus can contribute to asthma symptoms, it is not the primary mechanism.
C) Correct. Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways and increased reactivity, leading to airway narrowing and symptoms.
D) Incorrect. Asthma primarily involves airway inflammation and narrowing, not a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Mast cells do not release hormones that relax airway muscles; they are involved in inflammation.
B) Correct. Mast cells release inflammatory substances in response to allergens, leading to bronchoconstriction and inflammation in asthma.
C) Incorrect. Mast cells are not primarily involved in clearing excess mucus from the airways.
D) Incorrect. Mast cells do not produce antibodies to protect against asthma attacks.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Asthma leads to airway narrowing, not widening.
B) Incorrect. While chronic inflammation can lead to airway remodeling over time, it does not make the airway walls more rigid in the acute phase.
C) Correct. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can lead to symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing.
D) Incorrect. Asthma does affect the structure of the airways, primarily through inflammation and airway remodeling in the long term.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Eosinophils do not release hormones that relax airway muscles.
B) Incorrect. Eosinophils are not primarily involved in antibody production in asthma.
C) Incorrect. Eosinophils are not responsible for clearing excess mucus from the airways.
D) Correct. Eosinophils are white blood cells that contribute to inflammation and airway damage in asthma by releasing inflammatory substances.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Bronchial smooth muscle is involved in asthma, particularly in airway constriction.
B) Correct. In asthma, bronchial smooth muscle contracts and narrows the airways, contributing to symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.
C) Incorrect. Bronchial smooth muscle's primary role in asthma is not to clear mucus from the airways.
D) Incorrect. Bronchial smooth muscle does not release antibodies to protect against asthma attacks.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Bacterial infections are not the primary cause of asthma; it is more related to inflammation and airway hyperreactivity.
B) Incorrect. Genetics can indeed play a role in the development of asthma.
C) Correct. Environmental factors, including allergens and irritants, are significant contributors to asthma development and exacerbation.
D) Incorrect. While emotional stress and anxiety can exacerbate asthma symptoms, they are not the sole triggers of the condition.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Being physically active and spending time outdoors can have positive effects on respiratory health, reducing the risk of asthma.
B) Correct. Exposure to secondhand smoke, especially during childhood, is a significant risk factor for asthma.
C) Incorrect. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is generally associated with better overall health but is not a direct risk factor for asthma.
D) Incorrect. Avoiding all exercise is not necessary for asthma prevention and can lead to other health problems. Properly managed exercise can be beneficial for individuals with asthma.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Exposure to certain allergens from pets can increase the risk of asthma, especially in individuals with allergic tendencies.
B) Incorrect. Living in an urban area with high levels of air pollution can contribute to the development and exacerbation of asthma.
C) Incorrect. A family history of asthma is a known risk factor for the condition.
D) Correct. Respiratory infections, especially during early childhood, can be a risk factor for the development of asthma.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Allergies are related to the development and exacerbation of asthma in some cases.
B) Correct. Allergies, especially allergic rhinitis, are known risk factors for the development of asthma in susceptible individuals.
C) Incorrect. While allergies can have a protective effect against asthma in some cases (the hygiene hypothesis), this is not universally true.
D) Incorrect. Allergies are one of several potential factors that can contribute to asthma, but they are not the sole cause.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Regular participation in outdoor activities can be beneficial for respiratory health and may reduce the risk of asthma in some cases.
B) Incorrect. A history of good respiratory health is not a risk factor for asthma.
C) Correct. Frequent respiratory infections, especially during childhood, can increase the risk of asthma.
D) Incorrect. Having a diet low in processed foods may be associated with better overall health but is not a direct risk factor for asthma.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Severe coughing can occur during an asthma attack but is not typically considered an early warning sign.
B) Correct. Wheezing is often an early sign of airway constriction and can precede other symptoms of an asthma attack.
C) Incorrect. Chest pain and discomfort are not typical early warning signs of asthma.
D) Incorrect. Difficulty speaking in full sentences is a more advanced symptom that may occur during an asthma attack.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. A persistent low-grade fever is not a typical asthma symptom.
B) Incorrect. A sore throat and runny nose are more characteristic of upper respiratory infections or allergies, not asthma.
C) Incorrect. A sharp, stabbing pain in the chest is not a classic asthma symptom and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
D) Correct. Frequent coughing and the production of thick mucus can be indicative of asthma, especially during exacerbations.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Intermittent shortness of breath during physical activity is common in asthma but does not necessarily indicate a severe attack.
B) Incorrect. Occasional coughing and wheezing at night can be part of asthma but do not necessarily signal a severe attack.
C) Correct. Persistent shortness of breath, especially when present at rest, is a potential indicator of a severe asthma attack and should be taken seriously.
D) Incorrect. Mild chest tightness after exposure to allergens is a common symptom of asthma but may not necessarily indicate a severe attack.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Improvement of asthma symptoms when lying down is not typical, and nighttime symptoms often worsen in asthma.
B) Correct. Waking up in the middle of the night with a cough and difficulty breathing is a common symptom of nighttime worsening in asthma.
C) Incorrect. While some individuals with asthma may not experience nighttime symptoms, this is not typical.
D) Incorrect. Improved lung function and increased energy at night are not characteristic of asthma; in fact, asthma symptoms often worsen at night.
Explanation
A) Correct. Frequent use of a rescue inhaler is often an early sign that asthma symptoms are worsening and may precede an exacerbation.
B) Incorrect. Rarely experiencing chest tightness does not necessarily indicate the early stages of an asthma exacerbation.
C) Incorrect. The absence of wheezing or coughing is not an early indicator of worsening asthma symptoms; wheezing is a common asthma symptom.
D) Incorrect. Infrequent nighttime awakenings due to asthma may be a sign of well-controlled asthma but do not necessarily signal an exacerbation.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. An ECG is used to assess heart function, not lung function.
B) Incorrect. MRI is a diagnostic imaging technique used to visualize internal structures but is not typically used for asthma diagnosis.
C) Incorrect. Chest X-rays may be performed to rule out other conditions but are not a primary test for asthma diagnosis.
D) Correct. Spirometry is a common lung function test used to assess airflow and determine the presence and severity of asthma.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Measuring oxygen levels in the blood is typically done using pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas tests, not a bronchial provocation test.
B) Correct. A bronchial provocation test evaluates how the airways respond to substances that can trigger bronchoconstriction, helping to diagnose asthma.
C) Incorrect. Visualizing airways using a special camera is usually done through bronchoscopy, not a bronchial provocation test.
D) Incorrect. Checking for specific antibodies related to asthma is not a primary diagnostic test for asthma; it is more commonly associated with allergies.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Peak flow measurements are not primarily used to assess the response to allergy medications.
B) Incorrect. Assessing heart function is not the purpose of peak flow measurements; they focus on lung function.
C) Correct. Peak flow readings are a valuable tool in assessing lung function and the severity of asthma symptoms, helping guide treatment decisions.
D) Incorrect. Evaluating bone density and fracture risk is not related to peak flow monitoring.
Explanation
A) Correct. A CBC can detect elevated levels of white blood cells (eosinophils) associated with airway inflammation in asthma.
B) Incorrect. Serum cholesterol levels are not a primary diagnostic test for asthma.
C) Incorrect. Urinalysis is used to assess kidney function and detect abnormalities in the urine, not for asthma diagnosis.
D) Incorrect. ESR is a nonspecific test used to detect inflammation in the body but is not specific to asthma diagnosis.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. A blood test for specific IgE antibodies can detect allergen-specific antibodies but is not the same as a skin prick test.
B) Incorrect. A chest X-ray is used to visualize the lungs and is not a test for allergies.
C) Incorrect. A pulmonary function test (PFT) assesses lung function but does not test for allergies.
D) Correct. A skin prick test, also known as a skin allergy test or scratch test, involves applying small amounts of allergens to the skin and monitoring for allergic reactions, helping identify specific allergens triggering asthma symptoms.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. An asthma action plan primarily focuses on managing acute symptoms and exacerbations, not long-term treatment.
B) Incorrect. While asthma action plans may include recommendations for daily activities, their primary purpose is to address asthma exacerbations.
C) Correct. An asthma action plan is designed to help individuals manage asthma attacks by providing instructions on when and how to use rescue medications, as well as when to seek medical assistance.
D) Incorrect. While asthma action plans may mention triggers, their primary function is to guide actions during asthma attacks.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are not typically used for quick relief during asthma attacks; they are primarily for long-term control.
B) Incorrect. Relaxing airway muscles is the function of bronchodilators, not ICS.
C) Correct. ICS medications are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce airway inflammation, making them a cornerstone of asthma management for long-term control.
D) Incorrect. ICS are not used to treat acute allergic reactions; they are aimed at preventing asthma symptoms over time.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. A decrease in peak flow measurements typically indicates worsening asthma, not improved control.
B) Incorrect. While an increase in rescue inhaler use may be necessary during an exacerbation, it does not address the underlying issue of worsening asthma.
C) Correct. A decrease in peak flow measurements is a sign of declining lung function, suggesting that asthma may be worsening. Following the asthma action plan is essential in this situation.
D) Incorrect. Peak flow measurements are a valuable tool in asthma management and are related to monitoring and controlling asthma symptoms.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Reducing airway inflammation is the primary function of inhaled corticosteroids, not bronchodilators.
B) Correct. Bronchodilators, such as beta-agonists, help relax the smooth muscles surrounding the airways, which can improve airflow and relieve bronchoconstriction in asthma.
C) Incorrect. Bronchodilators primarily provide quick relief during asthma attacks but do not prevent asthma symptoms over the long term.
D) Incorrect. Bronchodilators are not used to treat allergic reactions; they are used to relieve acute bronchoconstriction associated with asthma.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Smoking is a significant asthma trigger, and even occasional smoking can worsen asthma symptoms.
B) Incorrect. Feather pillows may contain allergens that can exacerbate asthma in individuals sensitive to these allergens.
C) Incorrect. Frequent vacuuming can stir up dust and allergens, potentially worsening asthma symptoms, rather than improving indoor air quality.
D) Correct. Outdoor allergens like pollen can trigger asthma symptoms in many individuals, so avoiding exposure is an important part of asthma management.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Scented candles and air fresheners can release irritants that may trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals, so they should be avoided.
B) Correct. Cold air is a known asthma trigger, and individuals with asthma should take precautions during cold weather to minimize exposure.
C) Incorrect. Dairy products can trigger asthma symptoms in some people who have dairy allergies or sensitivities.
D) Incorrect. Pet fur and dander can be potent asthma triggers, and regular cleaning and reducing exposure to these allergens are essential for asthma management.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Breathing too forcefully into the peak flow meter can result in artificially high readings. The client should use a steady, controlled breath.
B) Incorrect. Exhaling forcefully can also lead to inaccurate readings. Gentle exhalation is recommended.
C) Incorrect. The peak flow meter should be exhaled into, not inhaled from.
D) Correct. The correct technique involves standing with feet together and exhaling gently but forcefully into the peak flow meter.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. A spacer does not increase the force of the medication but rather optimizes the delivery.
B) Incorrect. The purpose of a spacer is not related to portability; it's about enhancing the effectiveness of the inhaler.
C) Incorrect. Using a spacer does not allow for larger doses; it improves the distribution of the prescribed dose.
D) Correct. A spacer device helps ensure that more of the medication reaches the lungs by slowing down and dispersing the spray from the inhaler, making it easier to inhale effectively.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Rescue inhalers are typically not used as a daily preventive measure but are reserved for acute symptom relief.
B) Incorrect. While exercise-induced asthma is a valid reason to use a rescue inhaler, it should also be used when experiencing other asthma symptoms.
C) Correct. Rescue inhalers are meant for quick relief during asthma symptoms or exacerbations, and their use should be guided by symptoms or healthcare provider instructions.
D) Incorrect. There is no specific benefit to using a rescue inhaler before bedtime unless asthma symptoms are present at that time.
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Spacers can be beneficial for both children and adults, depending on their ability to use the inhaler effectively.
B) Incorrect. A spacer does not deliver medication directly into the bloodstream but optimizes delivery to the lungs.
C) Correct. Using a spacer reduces the risk of side effects, such as oral thrush, associated with some inhaled medications by ensuring more targeted delivery to the lungs.
D) Incorrect. Spacers are designed to make inhalers easier to use correctly, not more challenging.
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