Respiratory - Acute Bronchitis

Question 1

Respiratory - Acute Bronchitis

What is acute bronchitis? What does it cause?

Answer 1

It is the inflammation of the bronchi. Mucus production is increased, which stimulates the cough relfex.

Question 2

Respiratory - Acute Bronchitis

What are the signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis?

Answer 2

Non productive cough in the beginning, then will change to productive cough
Substernal chest pain (from continuous coughing)
Fever
Malaise

Question 3

Respiratory - Acute Bronchitis

What diagnostic test will be perform in the event of acute bronchitis?

Answer 3

Chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia

Question 4

Respiratory - Acute Bronchitis

Who is at high risk for acquiring acute bronchitis?

Answer 4

Smokers

Question 5

Respiratory - Acute Bronchitis

How is acute bronchitis treated?

Answer 5

• Increased fluid intake (to help liquify mucus)
• Rest is encouraged when feeling tired
• Expectorant (prescribed in the day)
• Suppressant (prescribed at night)

Question 6

Respiratory - Acute Bronchitis

What are some examples of expectorants?

Answer 6

• Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin)

Question 7

Respiratory - Acute Bronchitis

What are some adverse effects of guanifensin?

Answer 7

Drowsiness
HA
GI upset.

Question 8

Respiratory - Acute Bronchitis

The nurse collecting a history from a client with chronic bronchitis would expect to find that the client:

A. worked in a cotton mill for 25 years.
B. smoked cigarettes for 40 years.
C. received a pacemaker at the age of 55.
D. had a father who died of lung cancer.

Answer 8

B. smoked cigarettes for 40 years.

Rationale:
Cigarette smoking is strongly associated with chronic bronchitis. The environment such as working in mines, silicone factories, or cotton mills may contribute to the disease.