6. ANSWER B.

Bronchodilators are the first line of treatment for asthma because

bronchoconstriction is the cause of reduced airflow. Beta-adrenergic blockers
aren’t used to treat asthma and can cause bronchoconstriction. Inhaled or oral
steroids may be given to reduce the inflammation but aren’t used for emergency
relief.
7. ANSWER B. The client is having an acute asthma attack and needs to increase
oxygen delivery to the lung and body. Nebulized bronchodilators open airways and
increase the amount of oxygen delivered. First resolve the acute phase of the
attack ad how to prevent attacks in the future. It may not be necessary to place
the client on a cardiac monitor because he’s only 19-years-old, unless he has a
past medical history of cardiac problems.
8. ANSWER C. Because of his extensive smoking history and symptoms, the client most
likely has chronic obstructive bronchitis. Clients with ARDS have acute symptoms of
and typically need large amounts of oxygen. Clients with asthma and emphysema tend
not to have a chronic cough or peripheral edema.
9. ANSWER C. Clients with chronic obstructive bronchitis appear bloated; they have
large barrel chests and peripheral edema, cyanotic nail beds and, at times,
circumoral cyanosis. Clients with ARDS are acutely short of breath and frequently
need intubation for mechanical ventilation and large amounts of oxygen. Clients
with asthma don’t exhibit characteristics of chronic disease, and clients with
emphysema appear pink and cachectic (a state of ill health, malnutrition, and
wasting).
10. ANSWER D. Because of the large amount of energy it takes to breathe, clients
with emphysema are usually cachectic. They’re pink and usually breathe through
pursed lips, hence the term “puffer”. Clients with ARDS are usually acutely short
of breath. Clients with asthma don’t have any particular characteristics, and
clients with chronic obstructive bronchitis are bloated and cyanotic in appearance.