BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Question 1

What type of disease is asthma classified as?

Answer 1

A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways

Question 2

List the three hallmark features of asthma pathophysiology.

Answer 2

Airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation, bronchoconstriction, mucous impaction

Question 3

Name four common symptoms of asthma.

Answer 3

Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, dyspnea

Question 4

What is the most common chronic disease in childhood?

Answer 4

Asthma

Question 5

Explain what airway hyperresponsiveness means in the context of asthma.

Answer 5

An exaggerated airway narrowing response to stimuli that are normally harmless

Question 6

Is asthma caused by genetics, environment, or both?

Answer 6

Both genetics and environmental exposure

Question 7

What does a personal or family history of atopy indicate about asthma risk?

Answer 7

It increases the risk of developing asthma

Question 8

Name two environmental exposures linked to asthma development.

Answer 8

Tobacco smoke and airborne particulate matter

Question 9

List three risk factors for asthma.

Answer 9

Family history, allergy, chronic exposure to airway irritants or allergens

Question 10

Provide three examples of allergens that can increase asthma risk.

Answer 10

Grass, weed pollens, mold

Question 11

Which types of animals are commonly associated with asthma risk due to allergens?

Answer 11

Cats, dogs, rodents (or pets in general)

Question 12

Name four common asthma triggers.

Answer 12

Airway irritants, exercise, stress/emotional upset, medications

Question 13

How can viral respiratory infections contribute to asthma exacerbations?

Answer 13

They cause airway inflammation and increase mucus production, triggering symptoms

Question 14

Why is tobacco smoke particularly harmful for individuals with asthma?

Answer 14

It exacerbates airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness

Question 15

Describe how chronic exposure to dust can affect asthma development or control.

Answer 15

It irritates the airways, increasing inflammation and the risk of asthma attacks

Question 16

Which immune-related condition is often associated with a higher risk of asthma?

Answer 16

Atopy

Question 17

Name two medications that can trigger asthma symptoms.

Answer 17

Aspirin and beta-blockers

Question 18

What symptom of asthma is defined as ‘shortness of breath’?

Answer 18

Dyspnea

Question 19

What type of airway cells contribute to mucus production in asthma?

Answer 19

Goblet cells

Question 20

How does airway inflammation contribute to asthma symptoms?

Answer 20

It narrows airways, increases mucus production, and heightens airway sensitivity

Question 21

Explain the relationship between allergens and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Answer 21

Allergens trigger immune responses that make the airways overreact to stimuli

Question 22

Which lifestyle modification can help reduce asthma risk from environmental triggers?

Answer 22

Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke and allergens

Question 23

What is the clinical significance of recognizing asthma triggers in patient care?

Answer 23

Identifying and avoiding triggers helps prevent exacerbations and improve symptom control

Question 24

List the three most common symptoms of asthma.

Answer 24

Cough (with or without mucus production), dyspnea, wheezing

Question 25

At what times of day do asthma attacks most frequently occur?

Answer 25

At night or in the early morning

Question 26

How does an asthma exacerbation typically begin?

Answer 26

It is frequently preceded by increasing symptoms over days but may also begin abruptly

Question 27

Name three possible complications of asthma.

Answer 27

Status asthmaticus, respiratory failure, pneumonia

Question 28

What is status asthmaticus?

Answer 28

A severe, life-threatening asthma exacerbation that does not respond to standard treatment

Question 29

What comorbid condition is often associated with asthma and can worsen symptoms?

Answer 29

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

Question 30

Name four environmental factors primarily associated with asthma.

Answer 30

Seasonal changes, high pollen counts, mold, pet dander

Question 31

How does air pollution affect asthma?

Answer 31

It exacerbates airway inflammation and increases the risk of asthma attacks

Question 32

What is a common diagnostic clue from a patient’s family history when assessing asthma?

Answer 32

A positive family history of asthma or atopy

Question 33

Name two drugs that can induce asthma symptoms.

Answer 33

Aspirin and non-selective beta-blockers

Question 34

What physical exam finding is caused by salbutamol (albuterol) use during an acute exacerbation?

Answer 34

A fine tremor in the hands

Question 35

Why might a patient with an acute asthma exacerbation sit leaning forward?

Answer 35

To splint open their airways and ease breathing

Question 36

What is the typical auscultation finding in a patient with an acute asthma exacerbation?

Answer 36

A bilateral, expiratory wheeze

Question 37

What does a silent chest indicate in a patient with life-threatening asthma?

Answer 37

Severe airway obstruction where air cannot enter or leave the lungs

Question 38

What is a systemic sign of hypoxia in severe asthma?

Answer 38

Cyanosis (bluish skin), confusion, or altered mental status

Question 39

Define 'tachycardia' and explain why it might appear during an asthma attack.

Answer 39

Increased heart rate due to respiratory distress or beta-agonist medication use

Question 40

Which environmental factor is most relevant during climate changes in asthma exacerbation?

Answer 40

Cold air

Question 41

What posture do asthma patients adopt to ease breathing during exacerbation?

Answer 41

Sitting forward (tripod position)

Question 42

Explain why expiratory wheeze is common in asthma.

Answer 42

Narrowed airways make it harder to expel air, causing wheezing during expiration

Question 43

Why is auscultation important in the assessment of asthma?

Answer 43

It helps detect wheezing, silent chest, or other airway abnormalities

Question 44

What does the presence of bilateral wheeze suggest about airway involvement?

Answer 44

Widespread airway narrowing affecting both lungs

Question 45

What clinical significance does a silent chest carry in asthma assessment?

Answer 45

It is a sign of imminent respiratory failure and requires urgent treatment

Question 46

How does mold exposure worsen asthma?

Answer 46

It triggers allergic reactions and airway inflammation

Question 47

Name one sign of respiratory distress seen in acute asthma exacerbation.

Answer 47

Nasal flaring, use of accessory muscles, or sitting forward

Question 48

How can pet dander contribute to asthma symptoms?

Answer 48

It acts as an allergen, triggering immune responses and airway hyperreactivity

Question 49

What is the significance of fine hand tremor in asthma treatment?

Answer 49

It indicates beta-agonist (salbutamol) use and sympathetic activation

Question 50

Why is monitoring heart rate important during an asthma exacerbation?

Answer 50

Tachycardia can indicate respiratory distress or side effects of medications

Question 51

Which comorbid gastrointestinal condition can worsen asthma symptoms through airway irritation?

Answer 51

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

Question 52

Describe how systemic hypoxia might manifest in severe asthma.

Answer 52

Cyanosis, confusion, drowsiness, or altered consciousness

Question 53

What is the purpose of pulse oximetry in asthma evaluation?

Answer 53

To assess the severity of an asthma attack or monitor for deterioration

Question 54

Why is peak flow measurement important in asthma assessment?

Answer 54

It assesses airway obstruction and should be compared to a nomogram and patient’s baseline

Question 55

What does a urea and electrolytes test monitor during asthma treatment?

Answer 55

Kidney function and potassium levels, especially with high or repeated salbutamol use

Question 56

Why is potassium monitored when using high doses of salbutamol?

Answer 56

Salbutamol causes potassium to shift into cells, which can induce transient hypokalaemia

Question 57

What is the purpose of a chest X-ray in asthma assessment?

Answer 57

To identify potential foreign bodies or infections

Question 58

What does spirometry show in asthma diagnosis?

Answer 58

An obstructive pattern that is partially or completely reversed by salbutamol

Question 59

List three key components of nursing assessment in asthma.

Answer 59

Monitor symptom severity, assess breath sounds, check peak flow and oxygen saturation

Question 60

Why is assessing the patient’s respiratory status important in asthma care?

Answer 60

To monitor symptom severity and detect deterioration early

Question 61

What is the goal of maintaining airway patency in asthma nursing care?

Answer 61

To ensure the patient can breathe freely without obstruction

Question 62

How does nursing care promote expectoration of secretions?

Answer 62

By encouraging coughing, hydration, and airway clearance techniques

Question 63

What indicates effective asthma management on auscultation?

Answer 63

Clear breath sounds and noiseless respirations

Question 64

Why is it important for patients to understand their asthma management regimen?

Answer 64

To ensure correct medication use and trigger avoidance, improving control

Question 65

What is the purpose of identifying potential asthma complications?

Answer 65

To initiate appropriate preventive or corrective actions quickly

Question 66

Name three medications nurses assess during asthma care.

Answer 66

Short-acting beta-2 agonists, anticholinergics, corticosteroids

Question 67

Why is fluid therapy important in asthma care?

Answer 67

To prevent dehydration and help thin airway secretions for easier expectoration

Question 68

What is the nurse’s role in assessing medication history in asthma patients?

Answer 68

To check for allergies and understand current medications to avoid adverse effects

Question 69

Why is collaboration important in asthma home care?

Answer 69

To set treatment goals and develop a plan between patient and healthcare providers

Question 70

What are key elements of asthma health education for patients and families?

Answer 70

Medication use, trigger avoidance, inhalation technique, and action plan management

Question 71

Why is adherence to prescribed asthma therapy emphasized?

Answer 71

It improves symptom control and reduces the risk of exacerbations

Question 72

What is an asthma action plan?

Answer 72

A guide that outlines steps to manage worsening symptoms and when to seek help

Question 73

Why might home visits by a nurse be indicated in asthma management?

Answer 73

To assess the home environment for allergens and reduce recurrent exacerbations

Question 74

How does peak flow monitoring help patients manage asthma at home?

Answer 74

It allows tracking of airway obstruction and early detection of worsening asthma

Question 75

What vital signs should be monitored in asthma patients?

Answer 75

Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation

Question 76

Name two preventive behaviors asthma patients should demonstrate.

Answer 76

Trigger avoidance and correct medication use

Question 77

What is the significance of proper inhalation technique in asthma management?

Answer 77

It ensures effective delivery of medication to the airways

Question 78

How can nurses help patients recognize early signs of asthma exacerbation?

Answer 78

By teaching them symptom awareness and peak flow monitoring

Question 79

What is the purpose of evaluating breath sounds in asthma care?

Answer 79

To assess airway patency and detect wheezing or silent chest

Question 80

Why is monitoring oxygen saturation important in asthma care?

Answer 80

To detect hypoxia and guide oxygen therapy needs

Question 81

What can indicate improved oxygen exchange in asthma patients?

Answer 81

Clear breath sounds, noiseless respiration, normal oxygen saturation

Question 82

How does identifying and avoiding triggers benefit asthma patients?

Answer 82

It reduces the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations