Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of chronic bronchitis?
Acute infection of the pleural space causing lung collapse
Sudden, fully-reversible constriction of bronchial smooth muscle
Destruction of alveolar walls leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange
Chronic inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in the bronchi causing airway obstruction
The Correct Answer is D
A. Acute infection of the pleural space causing lung collapse is incorrect because this describes pneumothorax or pleuritis, not chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term airway disease, not an acute pleural condition.
B. Sudden, fully-reversible constriction of bronchial smooth muscle is incorrect because this describes asthma, which is characterized by reversible bronchospasm. Chronic bronchitis involves persistent airway changes that are not fully reversible.
C. Destruction of alveolar walls leading to decreased surface area for gas exchange is incorrect because this is the hallmark of emphysema, not chronic bronchitis. Emphysema primarily affects the alveoli, whereas chronic bronchitis affects the bronchi.
D. Chronic inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in the bronchi causing airway obstruction is correct because chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough lasting at least three months per year for two consecutive years. The disease involves chronic irritation and inflammation of the bronchial walls, leading to mucus gland hypertrophy and excessive sputum production. The mucus narrows the airways, causing airflow limitation, chronic cough, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Over time, bronchial obstruction contributes to hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and, in advanced cases, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Decreased lung compliance and atelectasis is incorrect because these changes are associated with restrictive lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis or ARDS, which limit lung expansion but do not typically cause wheezing. Wheezing is a sign of airway obstruction, not reduced lung compliance.
B. Pulmonary fibrosis and scarring is incorrect because fibrosis leads to stiff, noncompliant lungs and impaired gas exchange. Although it may cause shortness of breath, it does not directly cause wheezing, which results from narrowed airways.
C. Alveolar fluid accumulation and edema is incorrect because fluid in the alveoli, as seen in pulmonary edema or pneumonia, causes crackles (rales) and dyspnea, not wheezing. Wheezing occurs primarily in the bronchi and bronchioles, not the alveoli.
D. Airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction is correct because asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and bronchospasm. These processes narrow the small airways, leading to turbulent airflow during exhalation, which produces the high-pitched musical sound known as wheezing. Other asthma manifestations include coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, often triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections.
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.
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