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MSN Exam for Asthma
Medical and Surgical Nursing (NCLEX Exams)

MSN Exam for Asthma

Practice Mode

Welcome to your MSN Exam for Asthma! This exam is carefully curated to help you consolidate your knowledge and gain deeper understanding on the topic.

 

✔ Exam Details

  • Number of Questions: 10 items
  • Mode: Practice Mode

✔ Exam Instructions

  1. Practice Mode: This mode aims to facilitate effective learning and review.
  2. Instant Feedback: After each question, the correct answer along with an explanation will be revealed. This is to help you understand the reasoning behind the correct answer, helping to reinforce your learning.
  3. Time Limit: There is no time limit for this exam. Take your time to understand each question and the corresponding choices.

✔ Tips For Success

  • Read each question carefully. Take your time and don't rush.
  • Understand the rationale behind each answer. This will not only help you during this exam, but also assist in reinforcing your learning.
  • Don't be discouraged by incorrect answers. Use them as an opportunity to learn and improve.
  • Take breaks if you need them. It's not a race, and your understanding is what's most important.
  • Keep a positive attitude and believe in your ability to succeed.

Remember, this exam is not just a test of your knowledge, but also an opportunity to enhance your understanding and skills. Enjoy the learning journey!

 

Click 'Start Exam' when you're ready to begin. Best of luck!

💡 Hint

Imagine a scenario where you take the deepest breath you can, and then you exhale as quickly and forcefully as possible. The amount of air you can push out in the first second gives us a critical measure, especially relevant when looking at airflow reversibility.

1 / 10

1. The specific measure used to identify reversibility in airflow obstruction during a spirometry test is:

💡 Hint

Consider the fact that the symptoms of an acute asthma attack are generally localized to the respiratory system and may not directly cause systemic or distant physical changes.

2 / 10

2. Which of the following factors is NOT useful in assessing the severity of an acute asthma attack?

💡 Hint

Imagine a garden hose. When it's normal, the water flows freely. But if something irritates the inside of the hose, it swells, and the water's path becomes restricted. This analogy is quite applicable to a key feature of chronic asthma, where something similar happens inside our body.

3 / 10

3. The distinguishing trait of chronic asthma is:

💡 Hint

Envision a substance that, when inhaled, mimics the actions of a neurotransmitter, causing the muscles around your airways to tighten. This test isn't about relief, it's about creating a challenge for the airways, to see how they react under duress.

4 / 10

4. In addition to histamine, bronchoprovocation tests frequently employ _________ to stimulate the airways:

💡 Hint

Imagine blowing into a machine as hard as you can, then as long as you can. This test paints a picture of your lung function, measuring the amount and speed of air you can exhale. However, it might not reveal everything happening inside the airways.

5 / 10

5. Which of these examinations is incapable of identifying inflammation in the airways?

💡 Hint

Consider a device that measures the strength of your breath, like a gust of wind trying to reach its maximum speed. It's a simple tool, yet it provides valuable information about the capacity of your lungs, especially in conditions where breath becomes a precious commodity.

6 / 10

6. A basic tool that is often used for an approximate assessment of lung function is:

💡 Hint

Think of a medication that's often packed into a small handheld device. It's like a portable wind of relief for those struggling to breathe, rapidly opening up the airways when inhaled, and it's a frequent companion of many asthma patients.

7 / 10

7. The bronchodilator typically employed during a reversibility test is:

💡 Hint

Envision the scene of a medical emergency. A patient's heart is racing, and a certain medication is administered to control the heart rate, not to assist with the breathing. Interestingly, this drug has a connection with the eyes as well, often used in certain eye examinations.

8 / 10

8. The following pharmaceutical substance does not contribute to the development of asthma:

💡 Hint

During intense breathing struggles, certain lung complications could arise that could further exacerbate the situation. One such complication results from air getting trapped in a place it shouldn't be, putting pressure on the lung and causing it to partially or fully collapse.

9 / 10

9. During an intense episode of acute asthma, why is it crucial to conduct a chest radiograph examination? The goal is to confirm the absence of:

💡 Hint

When you hear someone wheezing and coughing excessively during a springtime stroll in a park full of blooming flowers, you might guess they're grappling with this condition. An intriguing fact is that this illness is closely linked to allergens and hypersensitivity, underlining the complex interplay between our environment and our health.

10 / 10

10. Asthma is fundamentally classified as:

Exam Mode

Welcome to your MSN Exam for Asthma! This exam is carefully designed to provide you with a realistic test-taking experience, preparing you for the pressures of an actual nursing exam.

 

✔ Exam Details

  • Number of Questions: 10 items
  • Mode: Exam Mode

✔ Exam Instructions

  1. Exam Mode: This mode is intended to simulate the environment of an actual exam. Questions and choices will be presented one at a time.
  2. Time Limit: Each question must be answered within 90 seconds. The entire exam should be completed within 15 minutes.
  3. Feedback and Grading: Upon completion of the exam, you will be able to see your grade and the correct answers to all questions. This will allow you to evaluate your performance and understand areas for improvement.

✔ Tips For Success

  • Read each question carefully. You have 90 seconds per question, so make sure you understand the question before selecting your answer.
  • Pace yourself. Remember, you have 15 minutes in total, so try to maintain a steady rhythm.
  • Focus on one question at a time. Try not to worry about the questions to come.
  • Stay calm under pressure. Use your knowledge and trust your instincts.
  • Remember, it's not just about the score, but about the learning process.

This exam is not only a measurement of your current understanding, but also a valuable learning tool to prepare you for your future nursing career. Click 'Start Exam' when you're ready to begin. Good luck!

1 / 10

1. During an intense episode of acute asthma, why is it crucial to conduct a chest radiograph examination? The goal is to confirm the absence of:

2 / 10

2. The following pharmaceutical substance does not contribute to the development of asthma:

3 / 10

3. In addition to histamine, bronchoprovocation tests frequently employ _________ to stimulate the airways:

4 / 10

4. The bronchodilator typically employed during a reversibility test is:

5 / 10

5. Asthma is fundamentally classified as:

6 / 10

6. The specific measure used to identify reversibility in airflow obstruction during a spirometry test is:

7 / 10

7. The distinguishing trait of chronic asthma is:

8 / 10

8. A basic tool that is often used for an approximate assessment of lung function is:

9 / 10

9. Which of these examinations is incapable of identifying inflammation in the airways?

10 / 10

10. Which of the following factors is NOT useful in assessing the severity of an acute asthma attack?

Text Mode

Text Mode – Text version of the exam

Questions

1. Asthma is fundamentally classified as:

A. A harmful, cancerous condition.
B. A disease that results from the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own cells.
C. A disease caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microbes.
D. A disease associated with allergic reactions and hypersensitivity.

2. The distinguishing trait of chronic asthma is:

A. Wheezing during the night.
B. A familial pattern of the disease.
C. The requirement for orally administered steroids.
D. Inflammation of the airways.

3. A basic tool that is often used for an approximate assessment of lung function is:

A. A barometer.
B. A manometer.
C. A sphygmomanometer.
D. A peak flow meter.

4. The following pharmaceutical substance does not contribute to the development of asthma:

A. Histamine
B. Ibuprofen
C. Atropine
D. Beta-blocker

5. Which of these examinations is incapable of identifying inflammation in the airways?

A. Bronchoalveolar lavage.
B. Sputum eosinophil counts.
C. Spirometry
D. Bronchial mucosal biopsy.

6. The specific measure used to identify reversibility in airflow obstruction during a spirometry test is:

A. FEV1
B. RV
C. FVC
D. MVV

7. The bronchodilator typically employed during a reversibility test is:

A. Theophylline anhydrous
B. Atropine
C. Salbutamol
D. Montelukast

8. In addition to histamine, bronchoprovocation tests frequently employ _________ to stimulate the airways:

A. Prednisolone
B. Ipratropium bromide
C. Methacholine
D. Adrenocorticotropic hormone

9. During an intense episode of acute asthma, why is it crucial to conduct a chest radiograph examination? The goal is to confirm the absence of:

A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
B. A malignant growth in the lungs.
C. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
D. A pneumothorax.

10. Which of the following factors is NOT useful in assessing the severity of an acute asthma attack?

A. Swelling of the lower legs, or pedal edema.
B. The patient’s capacity to speak full sentences.
C. The peak rate of expiratory flow.
D. The engagement of supplementary respiratory muscles.

Answers and Rationales

1. Correct answer:

D. A disease associated with allergic reactions and hypersensitivity. Asthma is a chronic condition where your airways become inflamed and narrow, leading to difficulty in breathing. It is often triggered by allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, as well as certain types of exercise or stress. Asthma is considered a type of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction where the body’s immune system overreacts to certain stimuli, causing inflammation and swelling in the airways.

Incorrect answer options:

A. A harmful, cancerous condition. Asthma is not a form of cancer. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. While it can seriously affect a person’s quality of life, it does not involve uncontrolled cell growth or spread to other parts of the body, which are characteristic of cancer.

B. A disease that results from the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own cells. This describes autoimmune diseases, not asthma. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly perceives the body’s own cells as foreign and attacks them. While asthma does involve an immune response, it is not directed against the body’s own cells but rather against external triggers.

C. A disease caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microbes. Asthma is not caused by an infection, although infections can exacerbate asthma symptoms. It is primarily an inflammatory response to allergens and irritants.

2. Correct answer:

D. Inflammation of the airways. Chronic asthma is fundamentally characterized by persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes or airways. This inflammation leads to swollen airways, excess mucus production, and bronchial hyperreactivity, all of which contribute to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The inflammation is typically a response to various triggers, such as allergens or irritants, and can be present even when symptoms aren’t noticeable.

Incorrect answer options:

A. Wheezing during the night. While nocturnal wheezing can certainly be a symptom of asthma, it is not the distinguishing trait of chronic asthma. Many asthmatics experience worse symptoms at night due to factors like hormonal fluctuations, reclining position, and increased exposure to indoor allergens. However, this is not exclusive to asthma and can occur in other respiratory conditions.

B. A familial pattern of the disease. While asthma does have a genetic component and can run in families, not all people with asthma have a family history of the disease. Likewise, not all individuals with a family history of asthma will develop the condition. It is thus not a distinguishing feature of chronic asthma.

C. The requirement for orally administered steroids. Orally administered steroids, or systemic corticosteroids, are generally reserved for severe asthma exacerbations. They are not a requirement for all individuals with chronic asthma, especially those with milder forms of the disease. Many individuals with chronic asthma manage their condition with inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators.

3. Correct answer:

D. A peak flow meter. A peak flow meter is a portable, easy-to-use device that measures peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), which reflects how well air is moving out of a person’s lungs. This measurement can provide a general assessment of lung function, particularly in individuals with asthma or other obstructive lung diseases. It is often used in both healthcare settings and at home to monitor the severity of asthma, guide decisions about treatment, and even detect impending asthma attacks.

Incorrect answer options:

A. A barometer. A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. While changes in atmospheric pressure can affect some individuals with respiratory problems, a barometer does not provide a direct measure of lung function.

B. A manometer. A manometer measures the pressure of gasses or liquids. It is not specifically designed to assess lung function, though certain types of manometers may be used in conjunction with other devices in respiratory function testing.

C. A sphygmomanometer. A sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure, not lung function. It involves a pressure cuff typically placed around the upper arm to determine the systolic and diastolic pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries.

4. Correct answer:

C. Atropine. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that is used to treat a variety of medical conditions such as bradycardia, certain types of poisonings, and to reduce salivation during surgery. It is not known to contribute to the development of asthma. Instead, anticholinergic agents like ipratropium bromide are sometimes used as bronchodilators to relieve asthma symptoms.

Incorrect answer options:

A. Histamine. Histamine is a biochemical mediator released during allergic reactions and contributes to inflammation and bronchoconstriction, which are hallmarks of asthma. It is not a pharmaceutical substance, but drugs that block histamine, like antihistamines, are used to manage allergies, which can indirectly help control asthma.

B. Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In some people, especially those with asthma, NSAIDs can trigger bronchospasm and other asthma symptoms. This is known as aspirin-induced asthma or NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD).

D. Beta-blocker. Beta-blockers are medications used primarily to manage heart conditions and hypertension. They can cause bronchoconstriction by blocking the bronchial beta receptors, potentially triggering or worsening asthma symptoms. For this reason, they are typically avoided in people with asthma.

5. Correct answer:

C. Spirometry. Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test used to measure the amount (volume) and speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. It provides information about how well the lungs are working but does not directly measure inflammation in the airways. It is useful for diagnosing conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as monitoring disease progression and response to treatment. However, it does not reveal information about inflammation or other microscopic changes in the airways.

Incorrect answer options:

A. Bronchoalveolar lavage. This procedure involves washing out the bronchoalveolar region with sterile saline and then collecting the fluid for analysis. It can identify inflammation in the airways by detecting inflammatory cells and other markers of inflammation.

B. Sputum eosinophil counts. Sputum eosinophil counts can reflect inflammation in the airways. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell often elevated in conditions involving allergic reactions or inflammation, including asthma. A high count of eosinophils in sputum can suggest eosinophilic inflammation in the airways.

D. Bronchial mucosal biopsy. This procedure involves obtaining a small sample of the bronchial mucosa for examination under a microscope. It can reveal inflammation and other pathological changes in the airways.

6. Correct answer:

A. FEV1. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) is the volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second after taking a deep breath. It is a key measure used during spirometry testing. In conditions like asthma, where there is a reversible airflow obstruction, FEV1 is often reduced. However, after administration of a bronchodilator medication (such as albuterol), FEV1 typically improves. This post-bronchodilator improvement in FEV1 (often defined as an increase of 12% and 200 ml from the baseline value) is used to indicate reversibility in airflow obstruction, which is characteristic of asthma.

Incorrect answer options:

B. RV. Residual volume (RV) is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation. While RV can be increased in conditions with air trapping like COPD, it is not used to assess reversibility of airflow obstruction.

C. FVC. Forced vital capacity (FVC) is the total amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a maximal inhalation. While the FEV1/FVC ratio is often used in the diagnosis of obstructive lung diseases, FVC by itself does not measure reversibility.

D. MVV. Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) is a measure of the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled within one minute. It’s not typically used to assess reversibility in airflow obstruction.

7. Correct answer:

C. Salbutamol. Salbutamol (also known as albuterol in the United States) is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that is typically used during a reversibility test (bronchodilator response test) as part of spirometry. This bronchodilator works quickly to relax the muscles of the airways, which widens the airways (bronchodilation), allowing more air to flow through and alleviating symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.

The reversibility test, also known as a bronchodilator response test, is an additional step in spirometry, which is a type of pulmonary function test. This test is performed to assess how well your lungs work by measuring airflow and lung capacity.

In the context of diseases like asthma, a key characteristic is reversible airway obstruction. This means that the constriction or “narrowing” of the airways seen in these conditions can be reversed or improved with the use of medications called bronchodilators, such as salbutamol (albuterol).

Incorrect answer options:

A. Theophylline anhydrous. While theophylline is a bronchodilator, it is not the typical choice for a reversibility test. Theophylline has a slower onset of action and requires careful monitoring of blood levels due to its narrow therapeutic index and potential for serious side effects.

B. Atropine. Atropine is not used as a bronchodilator in a reversibility test. While it does have some bronchodilator properties as an anticholinergic agent, it is primarily used for other medical conditions such as bradycardia and certain types of poisonings.

D. Montelukast. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the long-term management of asthma and to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies. It is not a bronchodilator and is not used during a reversibility test.

8. Correct answer:

C. Methacholine. Methacholine is a muscarinic receptor agonist that is often used in bronchoprovocation tests to assess the reactivity of the airways, particularly in the diagnosis of asthma. These tests are designed to provoke a response in the airways, and methacholine works by mimicking the action of acetylcholine, causing bronchoconstriction, or narrowing of the airways. A positive methacholine challenge test (increased airway reactivity) often indicates a diagnosis of asthma.

*Bronchoprovocation is a special test where the airways are intentionally made narrower to see how well someone can breathe.

Incorrect answer options:

A. Prednisolone. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation. It’s often used in the treatment of various conditions, including asthma, but it is not used in bronchoprovocation tests as it does not stimulate the airways but rather helps to reduce inflammation and open them up.

B. Ipratropium bromide. Ipratropium bromide is a bronchodilator, specifically an antimuscarinic drug. It works by relaxing and opening the airways to the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, but it is not used in bronchoprovocation tests as it would not provoke a response but rather mitigate one.

D. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, a steroid hormone. It is not used in bronchoprovocation tests as it does not have a direct effect on the bronchi or airways.

9. Correct answer:

D. A pneumothorax. During an acute episode of asthma, it is important to conduct a chest radiograph to exclude the presence of a pneumothorax. In severe asthma attacks, the increased pressure in the lungs due to airway obstruction can lead to the rupture of small, weakened areas of the lung tissues, causing a pneumothorax, or lung collapse. This is a medical emergency and needs to be addressed immediately to prevent further complications, which can be life-threatening.

Incorrect answer options:

A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). While asthma and COPD are both chronic lung diseases that can cause similar symptoms, they are usually distinguishable based on the patient’s history, physical examination, and spirometry results. Furthermore, a single chest radiograph during an acute asthma attack would not be sufficient to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of COPD.

B. A malignant growth in the lungs. While a chest radiograph can sometimes detect lung cancer, this is not the primary reason for conducting a chest radiograph during an acute asthma attack. Moreover, the presence of a malignant growth would not typically cause an acute asthma attack.

C. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space, also known as pleural effusion, can occur with many conditions, including pneumonia, heart failure, and malignancies. However, it is not typically associated with an acute asthma attack. Nonetheless, if symptoms suggest a complication like pleural effusion, a chest radiograph may be conducted.

10. Correct answer:

A. Swelling of the lower legs, or pedal edema. Pedal edema, or swelling in the lower legs, is not typically associated with acute asthma attacks. It’s more commonly seen in conditions such as heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or liver disease. In the context of an acute asthma attack, symptoms and signs related to the respiratory system are more relevant to assessing severity.

Incorrect answer options:

B. The patient’s capacity to speak full sentences. This is an important indicator of the severity of an acute asthma attack. If a patient is unable to speak full sentences without stopping to breathe, this may suggest severe airway constriction and inadequate oxygenation, indicating a severe asthma attack.

C. The peak rate of expiratory flow. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a measure of how fast a person can exhale, which decreases during an asthma attack due to bronchoconstriction. Monitoring the PEFR can provide an objective measure of the severity of the asthma attack.

D. The engagement of supplementary respiratory muscles. The use of accessory muscles for breathing is another sign of a severe asthma attack. It indicates that the patient is working harder to breathe due to the narrowing of the airways, which can lead to respiratory fatigue if the attack is not promptly managed.

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