Asthma Overview and Symptoms

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary characteristics of asthma symptoms?

Persistent fever.

Chest tightness. (correct)

Abdominal pain.

Nasal congestion.

Which of the following is a typical symptom of asthma?

Rash on the skin.

Fatigue upon exertion.

Coughing, especially at night. (correct)

Coughing predominantly during the day.

Which of the following best describes asthma as a disease?

A chronic inflammatory disease. (correct)

A bacterial lung infection.

A dietary deficiency.

An acute viral infection.

What type of allergens are categorized as communal?

House-dust mites. Signup and view all the answers

When diagnosed, what symptom of asthma is most specifically associated with expiration?

Sibilant rales. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an allergen type related to asthma?

Homeopathic remedies. Signup and view all the answers

Among the following, which is a respiratory symptom that indicates the onset of an asthma attack?

Shortness of breath. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in the etiology of asthma?

Environmental allergens. Signup and view all the answers

What type of pneumonia is typically associated with weakened immune systems?

Fungal pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

Which test is used to measure the level of nitric oxide in exhaled air?

Exhaled nitric oxide test Signup and view all the answers

In aspiration pneumonia, what types of foreign substances commonly enter the lungs?

Food, stomach acid, and saliva Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging tests can be used for assessing pneumonia?

X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) Signup and view all the answers

Lobar pneumonia primarily affects which structures in the lungs?

One or more lobes of a lung Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of asthma exacerbations?

Chest pain and productive cough Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests would be used to test for signs of a viral or bacterial infection in the lungs?

Phlegm testing Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can cause viral pneumonia?

COVID-19 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of pleurisy?

Inflammation of membranes between the lungs and ribcage Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with pneumonia?

A sudden loss of vision Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'atelectasis' refer to?

Collapse of alveoli in the lungs Signup and view all the answers

How does septicemia differ from sepsis?

Septicemia is an infection in the blood originating elsewhere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential complication of pneumonia in vulnerable populations?

Death Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom indicates the use of accessory muscles for breathing?

Nasal flaring Signup and view all the answers

What imaging test is utilized to check for fluid or pus in the lungs?

Chest X-ray Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options is a sign of endobronchial obstruction?

Blocked airway preventing air entry Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common type of atelectasis?

Obstructive Atelectasis Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is primarily associated with adhesive atelectasis?

Surfactant deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of obstructive atelectasis in children?

Inhalation of foreign objects Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT commonly associated with atelectasis?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

What condition can lead to relaxation/passive atelectasis?

Pneumothorax Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT cause non-obstructive atelectasis?

Tumor pressing against the lung Signup and view all the answers

Rounded atelectasis is particularly observed in patients with which condition?

Chronic pleural scarring Signup and view all the answers

Which cause of atelectasis is primarily due to physical blockage?

Inhaled foreign body Signup and view all the answers

What role does an incentive spirometer play in patient care?

Encourages deep breathing to expand the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is commonly associated with chest pain or angina pectoris?

Heaviness or tightness in the chest. Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test uses ultrasound to assess cardiac structure and mobility?

Echocardiogram Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory test is directly associated with the risk of heart disease due to high levels?

Total cholesterol Signup and view all the answers

What is a common nursing intervention for patients experiencing hypertension?

Promoting regular deep breathing exercises. Signup and view all the answers

What does an exercise stress test primarily assess?

Heart rate during walking. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of a cardiovascular event?

Increased thirst Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is associated with the development of high triglycerides?

Unhealthy diet. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
It is a respiratory allergic disease that develops under the influence of allergens.
Common allergens that trigger asthma attacks can be categorized as:
- Communal: house dust mites, pet dander, mold, cockroaches, tobacco smoke
- Industrial: dusts, chemical fumes
- Occupational: dusts, chemicals, mold
- Natural: pollen, animal dander
- Pharmacological: antibiotics, vaccines, serums
Symptoms of asthma include:
- Chest tightness, pain or pressure
- Coughing (especially at night)
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Asthma is diagnosed through medical history, a physical exam, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide testing, and additional tests if necessary.
Complications of asthma include:
- Endobronchial obstruction
- Atelectasis
- Lung abscess
- Pleurisy
- Septicemia
- Sepsis
- Worsened chronic conditions
- Death

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli).
It is typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Symptoms of pneumonia can include:
- Shaking chills
- High fever
- Stabbing chest pain that worsens with breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Coughing, often bringing up phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Different types of pneumonia include:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Viral pneumonia
- COVID-19 pneumonia
- Fungal pneumonia
- Aspiration pneumonia
Based on location, pneumonia is often classified as:
- Lobar pneumonia: involving one or more lobes of a lung
- Bronchopneumonia: involving the bronchioles and surrounding lung tissues
Pneumonia is diagnosed through chest X-ray, blood tests, and tests of phlegm.
Nursing interventions for pneumonia focus on:
- Promoting respiratory health
- Supporting rest and recovery
- Ensuring proper nutrition
- Education and support

Atelectasis

Atelectasis is the collapse of a lung or part of a lung.
It can be caused by obstruction of the airway or by factors that affect the lung's ability to expand.
Two main types of atelectasis:
- Obstructive atelectasis: due to a physical blockage of airflow
- Non-obstructive atelectasis: due to factors that affect the lung's ability to expand
Causes of atelectasis include:
- Mucus plug
- Inhaled object
- Tumor in a major airway
- Blood clot
- Injury
- Pleural effusion
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax
Symptoms of atelectasis include:
- Trouble breathing (shortness of breath)
- Increased heart rate
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Skin and lips turning blue
Nursing interventions for atelectasis focus on:
- Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises
- Using an incentive spirometer
- Repositioning the patient frequently
- Administering analgesics to control pain
- Humidifying inspired air
- Adequate fluid intake
- Postural drainage and chest percussion

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to plaque build-up.
Risk factors for CAD include:
- High blood cholesterol and triglycerides
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Uncontrolled stress and anger
- Unhealthy diet
Symptoms of CAD can include:
- Chest pain (Angina pectoris): may radiate to the left shoulder, arms, neck, back, or jaw
- Chest discomfort, heaviness, tightness, pressure, aching, burning, numbness, fullness, or squeezing
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heart beats or rapid heart beats
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Palpitations
Diagnostic tests for CAD include:
- ECG/EKG: measures electrical activity, rate, and regularity of the heartbeat
- Echocardiogram: uses ultrasound to assess cardiac structure and mobility
- Exercise stress test: measures heart rate while exercising, assessing heart function under stress
- Heart CT scan: identifies calcium deposits in arteries
- Cardiac catheterization: assesses oxygen levels, blood flow, cardiac structures, and coronary arteries
- Angiogram: uses contrast medium to visualize the heart and blood vessels
Laboratory tests for CAD include:
- Hemoglobin: reduced levels increase the risk of oxygen deficit
- Total cholesterol: high levels increase the risk of heart disease
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein): considered “bad cholesterol”, high levels contribute to plaque buildup
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein): considered “good cholesterol”, helps remove bad cholesterol
- Triglycerides: high levels increase the risk of heart disease

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Description

This quiz covers essential aspects of asthma, including its definition, common allergens, symptoms, and diagnostic methods. It also discusses potential complications associated with the condition. Test your knowledge on this chronic lung disease and improve your understanding of asthma management.