Frothy sputum is most characteristic of which pulmonary disorder?
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary edema
Cystic fibrosis
Emphysema
The Correct Answer is B
A. Tuberculosis is incorrect because TB primarily produces blood-tinged sputum (hemoptysis). This occurs due to cavitation and erosion of pulmonary blood vessels caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. TB sputum is typically thick, sometimes streaked with blood, but not frothy, and is associated with chronic cough, night sweats, fever, and weight loss.
B. Pulmonary edema is correct because it involves accumulation of fluid within the alveoli, which interferes with gas exchange. The presence of fluid, particularly protein-rich fluid from increased hydrostatic pressure in cardiogenic pulmonary edema, mixes with air during breathing to produce frothy, often pink-tinged sputum. This frothy sputum is a classic and early clinical indicator of acute pulmonary edema, which may result from left-sided heart failure, myocardial infarction, fluid overload, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Other associated signs include dyspnea, orthopnea, crackles or rales on auscultation, tachypnea, and hypoxemia. Recognizing frothy sputum is critical because pulmonary edema can rapidly progress to respiratory failure if untreated.
C. Cystic fibrosis is incorrect because this genetic disorder leads to thick, sticky, and often purulent or yellow-green mucus due to defective chloride and water transport in epithelial cells. While cystic fibrosis patients produce large amounts of mucus that can cause airway obstruction and recurrent infections, their sputum is viscous rather than frothy. Chronic cough and recurrent respiratory infections are more characteristic of cystic fibrosis.
D. Emphysema is incorrect because emphysema primarily involves alveolar wall destruction, loss of elasticity, and hyperinflation, resulting in airflow obstruction. Sputum production is usually minimal, and when present, it is not frothy, since the disease affects the alveoli rather than causing alveolar fluid accumulation. Patients may present with dyspnea, barrel chest, and prolonged expiration rather than significant sputum production.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. First-degree (superficial) burns result in blister formation is incorrect because first-degree burns affect only the epidermis. They cause redness, mild pain, and swelling but do not form blisters. Blistering occurs in second-degree burns.
B. Fourth-degree (full-thickness) burns involve all skin layers and underlying tissue is correct because fourth-degree burns extend through the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and into underlying structures such as muscle, tendons, or bone. These burns are severe, often result in charring, and usually require surgical intervention or amputation due to extensive tissue loss.
C. Second-degree (partial thickness) burns are painless is incorrect because second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and part of the dermis, causing intense pain due to exposed nerve endings. They are typically characterized by redness, swelling, blistering, and significant discomfort.
D. Third-degree (full-thickness) burns do not extend beyond the dermis is incorrect because third-degree burns destroy the entire epidermis and dermis, potentially extending into subcutaneous tissue. Unlike second-degree burns, third-degree burns may appear white, brown, or charred and are often painless due to nerve destruction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues is correct because erythrocytes (red blood cells) contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues and organs throughout the body. Hemoglobin also plays a role in transporting a small portion of carbon dioxide back to the lungs, but the primary function of erythrocytes is oxygen delivery.
B. Form blood clots to stop bleeding is incorrect because this is the function of platelets (thrombocytes), which aggregate at sites of vascular injury to initiate clot formation and prevent excessive blood loss.
C. Remove carbon dioxide from the body is incorrect because, although erythrocytes assist in transporting some carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs, this is not their main purpose. Carbon dioxide removal is a secondary function compared with oxygen transport.
D. Produce antibodies for immune responses is incorrect because antibody production is performed by B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Erythrocytes do not have immune functions and are solely involved in gas transport.
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