A newly diagnosed patient asks the nurse to explain asthma. Which of the following explanations by the nurse is correct?
"Your airways are inflamed and spastic."
"You have fluid in your lungs that is causing shortness of breath."
"Your airways are stretched and nonfunctional."
"You have a low-grade infection that keeps your bronchial tree irritated."
The Correct Answer is A
A. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. This inflammation leads to bronchoconstriction, causing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. This description accurately captures the primary pathological features of asthma.
B. Fluid in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema, is not a characteristic of asthma. Pulmonary edema is usually associated with conditions such as heart failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), not asthma.
C. Airway stretching and nonfunctionality are not characteristics of asthma. Conditions like bronchiectasis involve permanent dilation and damage to the airways, leading to chronic infections and impaired clearance of mucus, but this is different from asthma.
D. Asthma is not primarily caused by an infection, although infections can trigger asthma exacerbations. The primary issue in asthma is chronic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways, which are not caused by a low-grade infection but by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Chocolate contains caffeine and cocoa, both of which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increase the risk of acid reflux. Additionally, chocolate is high in fat, which can further exacerbate symptoms of GERD. Therefore, chocolate is often recommended to be avoided by individuals with GERD.
B. Oatmeal is generally considered a bland and low-acid food that is unlikely to trigger symptoms of GERD. In fact, oatmeal is often recommended as part of a GERD-friendly diet due to its high fiber content, which can help absorb stomach acid and promote digestive health.
C. Apples are generally considered to be low in acid and high in fiber, making them a relatively safe fruit choice for individuals with GERD. However, some individuals may find that certain varieties of apples or apple products (such as apple juice) can exacerbate their GERD symptoms.
D. Nonfat milk is generally considered to be a low-fat and low-acid beverage that is unlikely to trigger symptoms of GERD. However, some individuals may find that consuming dairy products, including milk, can exacerbate their GERD symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Orange juice is highly acidic and can irritate the esophagus, leading to increased heartburn symptoms. Regular consumption of acidic beverages like orange juice can exacerbate GERD symptoms, making this a likely contributing factor to the client's heartburn.
A. Consuming low-fat meats is generally not a contributing factor to heartburn. Low-fat meats are less likely to cause reflux compared to high-fat foods, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of acid reflux.
C. Eating dinner early in the evening is generally recommended for managing GERD. This practice allows more time for the stomach to empty before lying down to sleep, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux during the night.
D. Sleeping on a large wedge-style pillow is also generally recommended for managing GERD. Elevating the head and upper body during sleep can help prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
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