Asthma: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management for Nursing Practice

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Elevated blood pressure

Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Coughing

Answer

Chest tightness

Question 2

The primary inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis of asthma are:

Accepted Answer

Eosinophils

Answer

Neutrophils

Answer

Lymphocytes

Answer

Basophils

Question 3

Which diagnostic test is considered the gold standard for confirming a diagnosis of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Spirometry

Answer

Chest X-ray

Answer

Skin prick test

Answer

Blood eosinophil count

Question 4

The primary goal of asthma management is to:

Accepted Answer

Control symptoms and prevent exacerbations

Answer

Eradicate the disease

Answer

Reverse airway remodeling

Answer

Improve lung function

Question 5

When administering a short-acting beta-agonist for an acute asthma exacerbation, what is the recommended frequency of use?

Accepted Answer

Every 2-4 hours as needed

Answer

Every 4-6 hours as needed

Answer

Every 6-8 hours as needed

Answer

Every 8-12 hours as needed

Question 6

Which type of asthma is characterized by frequent, severe exacerbations that may require hospitalization?

Accepted Answer

Severe persistent

Answer

Intermittent

Answer

Mild persistent

Answer

Moderate persistent

Question 7

Which of the following should NOT be included in patient education materials on asthma management?

Accepted Answer

Benefits of unproven alternative therapies

Answer

Trigger avoidance

Answer

Proper medication administration techniques

Answer

Importance of smoking cessation

Question 8

A patient with moderate asthma has a peak flow rate of 250 L/min. Which classification of asthma severity does this fall under?

Accepted Answer

Moderate

Answer

Mild

Answer

Severe

Answer

Life-threatening

Question 9

Spirometry is the primary diagnostic test used to confirm a diagnosis of asthma. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 10

Inhaled corticosteroids, such as budesonide, are considered the first-line controller medication for persistent asthma. True or False?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 11

When teaching a patient with asthma about the use of a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler, which instruction should be emphasized?

Accepted Answer

Use only as needed for symptom relief.

Answer

Take the medication every 4 hours, as prescribed.

Answer

Use the inhaler solely during severe asthma exacerbations.

Answer

Adjust the medication dose based on peak flow readings.

Question 12

For a patient with occupational asthma, which trigger is most likely to induce an asthma exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Workplace chemicals

Answer

Pollen

Answer

Dust mites

Answer

Animal dander

Question 13

Oral leukotriene modifiers, such as montelukast, primarily work by:

Accepted Answer

Blocking the inflammatory cascade

Answer

Inhibiting histamine release

Answer

Relaxing bronchial smooth muscle

Answer

Increasing mucociliary clearance

Question 14

What are the key cells and molecules involved in airway inflammation during an asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophils and neutrophils release histamine and leukotrienes.

Answer

An immediate allergic response to inhaled allergens is the primary cause.

Answer

Inflammation is limited to the large airways.

Answer

Anti-inflammatory medications are ineffective in asthma management.

Question 15

Which type of asthma is characterized by an allergic response to specific triggers?

Accepted Answer

Allergic asthma

Answer

Non-allergic asthma

Answer

Exercise-induced asthma

Answer

Occupational asthma

Question 16

The primary characteristic of asthma is:

Accepted Answer

Inflammation and narrowing of the airways

Answer

Enlarged and thickened bronchial walls

Answer

Scarring of the lung tissue

Answer

Increased mucus production

Question 17

Which medication is commonly used as a quick-relief bronchodilator to alleviate acute asthma symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol

Answer

Salmeterol

Answer

Budesonide

Answer

Montelukast

Question 18

Uncontrolled asthma can lead to irreversible airflow limitations. Which of the following conditions are potential long-term consequences of this?

Accepted Answer

Cor pulmonale

Accepted Answer

Emphysema

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Pneumothorax

Question 19

How does asthma comprehensively affect the quality of life for patients and their families, considering physical, emotional, and social aspects?

Accepted Answer

Significant impact across physical, emotional, and social dimensions

Answer

Limited impact beyond physical symptoms

Answer

Primarily emotional challenges with minimal physical and social effects

Question 20

In the management of childhood asthma, evaluate the ethical implications of using inhaled corticosteroids, considering the potential for growth suppression and the balance of risks and benefits.

Accepted Answer

The use of inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma is ethically justified only if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Answer

Inhaled corticosteroids should be avoided in children with asthma due to the risk of growth suppression.

Answer

Parents should have the final say in whether or not their children use inhaled corticosteroids for asthma.

Answer

Ethical considerations are not relevant when using inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma.

Question 21

Which immune cell type is not primarily involved in the inflammatory response of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Neutrophils

Answer

Basophils

Answer

Eosinophils

Answer

Mast cells

Question 22

To confirm a suspected asthma diagnosis, which diagnostic test is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility testing

Answer

Arterial blood gas analysis

Answer

Chest X-ray

Question 23

In the maintenance treatment of asthma, which medication is commonly used as a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)?

Accepted Answer

Salmeterol

Answer

Cromolyn sodium

Answer

Nedocromil sodium

Answer

Albuterol

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor associated with the development of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Advanced age

Answer

Exposure to tobacco smoke

Answer

Family history of asthma

Answer

Recurrent childhood respiratory infections

Question 25

In a life-threatening asthma exacerbation, which sign or symptom is an indicator of impending respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Cough

Answer

Wheezing

Question 26

Which patient education strategy is most effective in promoting self-management of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Providing written asthma action plans

Answer

Focusing solely on asthma triggers identification

Answer

Extensive discussions on the pathophysiology of asthma

Answer

Emphasizing medication adherence without explaining how or why

Question 27

What is the primary mechanism of action of inhaled corticosteroids in asthma treatment?

Accepted Answer

Reducing airway inflammation

Answer

Dilating the bronchi

Answer

Blocking leukotriene synthesis

Answer

Inhibiting histamine release

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of uncontrolled asthma?

Accepted Answer

Infrequent use of bronchodilators

Answer

Frequent exacerbations

Answer

Limitation of physical activity

Answer

Nocturnal symptoms

Question 29

When providing care to a patient with acute asthma exacerbation, what is the most critical nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Continuous monitoring of respiratory status

Answer

Administering oxygen as prescribed

Answer

Preparing for immediate intubation

Answer

Providing extensive education on asthma management

Question 30

Which cytokine is primarily responsible for the airway inflammation and remodeling observed in asthma?

Accepted Answer

Interleukin-5 (IL-5)

Answer

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)

Answer

Interferon-gamma (INF-γ)

Answer

Interleukin-10 (IL-10)

Question 31

Which feature is characteristic of asthma on pulmonary function testing?

Accepted Answer

Reversible airflow obstruction

Answer

Normal spirometry findings

Answer

Irreversible airflow obstruction

Answer

Restrictive lung disease pattern

Question 32

Which medication is a first-line therapy for the long-term management of mild-to-moderate persistent asthma?

Accepted Answer

Inhaled corticosteroids

Answer

Long-acting beta-agonists

Answer

Leukotriene modifiers

Answer

Oral theophylline

Question 33

Which symptom of an asthma exacerbation warrants immediate medical attention?

Accepted Answer

Wheezing that persists despite inhaler use

Answer

Chest tightness

Answer

Mild shortness of breath

Question 34

Which type of asthma is commonly associated with aspirin sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)

Answer

Occupational asthma

Answer

Allergic asthma

Answer

Exercise-induced asthma

Question 35

Which potential complication can arise from severe asthma?

Accepted Answer

Pneumothorax

Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Kidney failure

Answer

Stroke

Question 36

Which aspect of asthma education is crucial for patients?

Accepted Answer

Correct use of inhaler devices

Answer

Provision of a comprehensive list of medications to avoid

Answer

Reassurance that asthma will eventually resolve

Answer

Instruction to avoid all potential triggers

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of asthma exacerbations?

Accepted Answer

Improved lung function with bronchodilator use

Answer

Increased airway inflammation

Answer

Chest tightness

Answer

Wheezing and shortness of breath

Question 38

A patient presents with a history of asthma, and their peak expiratory flow (PEF) reading is significantly reduced compared to their personal best. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Administer a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler

Answer

Refer the patient to a pulmonologist

Answer

Order a chest x-ray

Answer

Prescribe a systemic corticosteroid

Question 39

Which of the following is a long-acting beta-agonist used for the maintenance treatment of asthma?

Accepted Answer

Salmeterol

Answer

Theophylline

Answer

Albuterol

Answer

Ipratropium

Question 40

A patient with asthma is being treated with inhaled corticosteroids. What is the primary mechanism of action of these medications?

Accepted Answer

Reducing airway inflammation

Answer

Increasing mucociliary clearance

Answer

Blocking the release of histamine

Answer

Relaxing airway smooth muscle

Question 41

What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying asthma?

Accepted Answer

Airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation

Answer

Altered lung elasticity

Answer

Reduced lung volume

Answer

Increased airway mucus production

Question 42

Which of the following is a commonly used tool for monitoring asthma control in patients?

Accepted Answer

Asthma Control Test (ACT)

Answer

Pulmonary function test

Answer

Blood gas analysis

Answer

Chest x-ray

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a potential complication of poorly controlled asthma?

Accepted Answer

Improved lung function

Answer

Status asthmaticus

Answer

Respiratory failure

Answer

Pneumothorax