The primary characteristic of an acute asthma attack is:
Bradypnea.
Anorexia.
Fever.
Wheezing.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Bradypnea is incorrect because during an acute asthma attack, individuals typically experience tachypnea, or rapid breathing. This occurs as the body attempts to compensate for reduced airflow and decreased oxygen delivery due to narrowed airways. Slow breathing, or bradypnea, is not consistent with the pathophysiology of asthma.
B. Anorexia is incorrect because loss of appetite is not a typical feature of asthma. Asthma primarily affects airway function, leading to respiratory symptoms, rather than directly affecting nutritional intake or appetite.
C. Fever is incorrect because fever is not a hallmark of asthma itself. Although an infection such as a respiratory virus can precipitate an asthma exacerbation, the fever is related to the infection, not to asthma. Asthma attacks are characterized by airway obstruction and inflammation, not systemic infection.
D. Wheezing is correct because wheezing is the hallmark symptom of an acute asthma attack. It results from turbulent airflow through constricted or narrowed bronchi and bronchioles, caused by bronchospasm, airway inflammation, and mucus accumulation. Wheezing is often audible without a stethoscope, particularly in severe attacks, and typically occurs during exhalation, although it can occur during both inhalation and exhalation in more severe cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Macule is incorrect because a macule is a flat, non-palpable lesion that represents a change in skin color. Examples include freckles or flat rashes. Macules do not contain fluid or pus, nor are they raised.
B. Pustule is correct because a pustule is a small, elevated, erythematous lesion that contains purulent material (pus). Pustules are commonly seen in infections such as acne, impetigo, or folliculitis. The presence of pus indicates an inflammatory response to infection, trauma, or obstruction of a gland.
C. Papule is incorrect because a papule is a solid, raised lesion without fluid. Papules can be caused by a variety of dermatologic conditions such as warts or early stages of acne, but they do not contain pus.
D. Nodule is incorrect because a nodule is a larger, solid, firm lesion that extends deeper into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. Nodules can result from cysts, tumors, or chronic inflammatory processes, but they are not typically associated with purulent exudate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Scattered areas of hypopigmentation of the skin is incorrect because hypopigmentation refers to lightened areas of skin, which are more typical of conditions like vitiligo. Psoriasis lesions are not defined by loss of pigment but by inflammation and thickened plaques.
B. Ruptured vesicles with yellowish-brown crusts is incorrect because this describes impetigo, a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Impetigo presents with vesicles that rupture easily and form characteristic honey-colored crusts. Psoriasis does not involve vesicles or crusting.
C. Silvery scales covering red patches of skin is correct because this is the classic presentation of plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis. The lesions consist of well-demarcated, raised, erythematous plaques with silvery-white scales resulting from excessive keratinocyte proliferation and rapid epidermal turnover. Common sites include the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The scales can flake off and may be itchy or painful.
D. Round papules with clear centers scattered over the body is incorrect because this description fits chickenpox (varicella), which presents with vesicular lesions with a clear center. Psoriasis lesions are plaques with scales, not small vesicular papules.
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