Essential of Pediatric Nursing Test Bank Related

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A newly diagnosed patient asks what asthma is. Which of the ff. explanations by the nurse is correct?

  • A. "Your airways are inflamed and spastic."
  • B. ""You have fluid in your lungs that is causing shortness of breath."
  • C. "Your airways are stretched and non-functional."
  • D. "You have a low-grade infection that keeps your bronchial tree irritated."
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Option A, "Your airways are inflamed and spastic," is the correct explanation of asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which causes difficulty in breathing, coughing, and wheezing. The inflammation leads to the airways becoming extremely sensitive to various triggers, such as allergens, irritants, or exercise, resulting in spasms that further constrict the air passages. This constriction makes it challenging for air to move in and out of the lungs efficiently, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath. It is essential for the patient to understand that asthma is primarily an inflammatory condition rather than a structural or infectious problem.