What therapeutic measure is often prescribed to reduce airway inflammation in a patient with chronic asthma?
Antibiotics
Beta-agonists
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids
The Correct Answer is D
A. Antibiotics: These agents are pharmacological substances designed to eradicate or inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria during an active infection. While asthma may be exacerbated by respiratory infections, antibiotics do not possess the anti-inflammatory properties required to manage chronic bronchial hyperreactivity. They do not address the underlying eosinophilic or lymphocytic infiltration of the airway.
B. Beta-agonists: These medications act on beta-2 adrenergic receptors to induce smooth muscle relaxation and rapid bronchodilation during acute bronchospasm. While essential for relieving immediate obstructive symptoms, they do not inhibit the underlying inflammatory cascade or reduce mucosal edema. Excessive use without anti-inflammatory coverage can lead to receptor downregulation and poor asthma control.
C. Antihistamines: These drugs antagonize H1 receptors to mitigate the effects of histamine release during Type 1 hypersensitivity reactions, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract. Although they may assist in managing comorbid allergic rhinitis, they are not effective for the primary management of lower airway inflammation. They lack the potency to suppress the complex cellular inflammation of asthma.
D. Corticosteroids: These potent anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and leukotrienes, while reducing the migration of eosinophils. By suppressing the immune response within the bronchial mucosa, they reduce airway edema and hyperresponsiveness over time. They represent the gold standard for long-term maintenance therapy in chronic asthma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Maslow's Hierarchy: This framework prioritizes physiological needs, such as circulation and breathing, as the most critical for human survival. The patient’s hypotension and tachycardia suggest a compromised circulatory status that requires immediate intervention to prevent organ damage. This model ensures that life-threatening physical instabilities are addressed before psychological or safety needs.
B. Least restrictive/least invasive: This framework is typically applied when selecting behavioral interventions or deciding between medical treatments that vary in intensity. In an acute hemodynamic crisis, the priority is not the level of invasiveness but the speed and efficacy of stabilization. It is less relevant for emergency triage than physiological frameworks.
C. Survival potential: This framework is primarily used in mass casualty or disaster triage to allocate limited resources to those most likely to survive. In a standard clinical setting with a single patient, the nurse must provide all necessary care. It does not guide the prioritization of specific nursing actions for an individual.
D. Safety and risk reduction: This model focuses on preventing injury and minimizing environmental hazards, such as fall precautions or medication safety. While important, it does not prioritize the acute physiological resuscitation required for a patient in shock. Hemodynamic stability is more fundamental than general safety during a medical emergency.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Traditional Chinese Medicine:This ancient system is based on the balance of Qi and the flow of energy through meridians. Acupuncture utilizes needles to stimulate specific points along these pathways, while herbal formulas are tailored to restore internal harmony. It is the primary origin of these specific modalities.
B. Homeopathy:This 18th-century European system is based on the principle of "like cures like" and the law of minimum dose. It utilizes highly diluted substances to trigger the body's natural healing response. While it uses natural sources, it is distinct from the meridian-based philosophy of acupuncture.
C. Ayurveda:Originating in India, this system focuses on balancing the three doshas through diet, lifestyle, and herbal medicine. While it shares the use of herbs with other systems, acupuncture is not a core component of traditional Ayurvedic practice. It prioritizes internal purification and yoga over needle-based stimulation.
D. Integrative Medicine:This is a modern medical approach that combines conventional Western medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies. While it utilizes acupuncture and herbs, it is the framework for integration rather than the original system of development. It serves as a bridge between various global health traditions.
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