During an asthma attack, the bronchioles become swollen and contracted with excessive mucous secretion. How is this manifested in the client?

Question

1. Having fits of coughing
2. Being able to inhale but not exhale
3. Requiring oxygen
4. Going into respiratory arrest

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale 1: Having fits of coughing is incorrect because cough is part of a bronchospasm.
Rationale 2: The attack creates bronchospasm, characterized by intense breathlessness, difficulty or painful breathing, coughing, and gasping for air. Air should be able to leave the lung with no energy expenditure required, but during an asthma attack, air gets trapped in the alveoli and is not able to escape. Respiratory arrest can occur if the attack continues. Coughing is not a characteristic of the asthma attack. Administering oxygen is not helpful until the bronchioles are opened.
Rationale 3: Requiring oxygen is incorrect because oxygen is not helpful until the bronchioles are opened.
Rationale 4: Going into respiratory arrest is incorrect because a bronchospasm occurs first, and if it continues, respiratory arrest is possible.

Global Rationale: The attack creates bronchospasm, characterized by intense breathlessness, difficulty or painful breathing, coughing, and gasping for air. Air should be able to leave the lung with no energy expenditure required, but during an asthma attack, air gets trapped in the alveoli and is not able to escape. Respiratory arrest can occur if the attack continues. Coughing is not a characteristic of the asthma attack. Administering oxygen is not helpful until the bronchioles are opened. Having fits of coughing is incorrect because cough is part of a bronchospasm. Requiring oxygen is incorrect because oxygen is not helpful until the bronchioles are opened. Going into respiratory arrest is incorrect because a bronchospasm occurs first, and if it continues, respiratory arrest is possible.