Asthma Exam (Practice Mode) By Rnpedia.Com

A peak flow meter is a simple instrument used to measure the maximum flow rate of air that can be forcefully exhaled. It is commonly used to assess lung function and monitor conditions such as asthma. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, a manometer measures pressure in a closed system, and a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure. Therefore, the most appropriate instrument for roughly determining lung function is a peak flow meter.

FEV1 stands for Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second. It is a parameter used to measure the amount of air a person can forcefully exhale in one second. In spirometry testing, FEV1 is used to detect reversibility in airflow obstruction. If there is a significant increase in FEV1 after the administration of a bronchodilator, it indicates that the airflow obstruction is reversible, suggesting a diagnosis of asthma or other reversible airway diseases. Therefore, FEV1 is the correct parameter to detect reversibility in airflow obstruction on a spirometry test.

Salbutamol is the most commonly used bronchodilator for conducting a reversibility test. This test is performed to determine if a patient's airway obstruction is reversible or not. Salbutamol works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, allowing for easier breathing. It is a short-acting beta-agonist that quickly opens up the airways and provides relief from symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Therefore, it is the ideal choice for evaluating the reversibility of airway obstruction in patients.

Pedal edema is not helpful in determining the severity of an acute attack. The use of accessory muscles of respiration, the ability to complete sentences, and peak expiratory flow rate are all indicators that can help determine the severity of an acute attack. However, pedal edema is unrelated to respiratory function and is not a reliable measure of the severity of an acute attack.

Persistent asthma is characterized by ongoing airway inflammation. This means that the airways are constantly inflamed and irritated, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. This inflammation can be triggered by various factors, such as allergens or irritants, and can result in the need for regular use of medications to control symptoms. Family history of disease, need for oral steroids, and nocturnal wheezing can all be associated with asthma, but the characteristic feature that distinguishes persistent asthma is the presence of airway inflammation.

Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that measures the volume and flow of air during breathing. It is used to assess lung function and diagnose respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, spirometry does not directly detect airway inflammation. It primarily measures lung capacity and airflow obstruction, rather than the presence of inflammatory cells or markers. Other tests such as bronchial mucosal biopsy, sputum eosinophil counts, and bronchoalveolar lavage are more specific for detecting airway inflammation.

In an acute severe attack of asthma, it is important to get a chest x-ray done to rule out a pneumothorax. A pneumothorax is a condition where air accumulates in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely. This can be a life-threatening complication of asthma and needs immediate medical attention. A chest x-ray can help diagnose a pneumothorax by showing the presence of air in the pleural space. By ruling out a pneumothorax, appropriate treatment can be initiated to manage the asthma attack effectively.

Asthma is classified as an atopic disease because it is characterized by an exaggerated immune response to certain triggers, such as allergens. Atopy refers to a genetic predisposition to develop allergic reactions, and individuals with asthma often have a family history of allergies or other atopic conditions. Unlike infectious or malignant diseases, asthma is not caused by pathogens or cancerous cells. Additionally, asthma is not an autoimmune disease, as it does not involve the immune system attacking the body's own tissues.

Atropine is the correct answer because it is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the contraction of smooth muscles, including those in the airways. Asthma is a condition characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways, and blocking the action of acetylcholine would actually help to relax the airway muscles and alleviate symptoms, rather than cause asthma.

Metracholine can also be used in bronchoprovocation tests to challenge the airways.