COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING REVIEW:
RESPIRATORY, CARDIAC, ENDOCRINE, AND INFLAMMATORY
DISORDERS EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is the pathophysiology of asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction due to
inflammation and sensitivity to triggers.
What are common triggers for asthma?
Triggers include smoking, allergens, cold weather, seasonal allergies, pets, and
exercise.
What symptoms may indicate an asthma attack?
Symptoms include shortness of breath (SOB), chest tightness, coughing, wheezing,
increased mucus production, and use of accessory muscles.
What does a green zone indicate in asthma management?
The green zone indicates well-controlled asthma, where the patient is taking inhalers as
prescribed.
What should be done in the yellow zone of asthma management?
,In the yellow zone, the patient should be proactive and may need to use albuterol or
steroids.
What does the red zone indicate in asthma management?
The red zone indicates a need for hospitalization due to severe symptoms.
What are the first-line medications for asthma?
First-line medications include bronchodilators (short-acting beta 2 agonists like
albuterol) and corticosteroids.
What is the pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks pulmonary blood flow, preventing
gas exchange.
What are common risk factors for pulmonary embolism?
Risk factors include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), atrial fibrillation (A-fib), and decreased
blood flow.
What are the key assessment findings in pulmonary embolism?
Key findings include dyspnea, chest pain, cough with hemoptysis, tachycardia, and
signs of hypoxemia.
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for pulmonary embolism?
, The gold standard is pulmonary angiography.
What medications are used to treat pulmonary embolism?
Medications include anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin, and fibrinolytic drugs.
What is the pathophysiology of COPD?
COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, leading to airflow obstruction and
impaired gas exchange.
What are the main causes of COPD?
The primary cause of COPD is smoking, along with occupational exposures and age.
What are common assessment findings in COPD?
Findings include dyspnea, wheezing, barrel chest, cyanosis, and clubbing.
What is the primary nursing intervention for COPD?
Airway management is the most important nursing intervention.
What is the pathophysiology of pneumonia?
Pneumonia occurs when fluid traps in the lungs, often due to infection that the immune
system cannot overcome.
RESPIRATORY, CARDIAC, ENDOCRINE, AND INFLAMMATORY
DISORDERS EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is the pathophysiology of asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction due to
inflammation and sensitivity to triggers.
What are common triggers for asthma?
Triggers include smoking, allergens, cold weather, seasonal allergies, pets, and
exercise.
What symptoms may indicate an asthma attack?
Symptoms include shortness of breath (SOB), chest tightness, coughing, wheezing,
increased mucus production, and use of accessory muscles.
What does a green zone indicate in asthma management?
The green zone indicates well-controlled asthma, where the patient is taking inhalers as
prescribed.
What should be done in the yellow zone of asthma management?
,In the yellow zone, the patient should be proactive and may need to use albuterol or
steroids.
What does the red zone indicate in asthma management?
The red zone indicates a need for hospitalization due to severe symptoms.
What are the first-line medications for asthma?
First-line medications include bronchodilators (short-acting beta 2 agonists like
albuterol) and corticosteroids.
What is the pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks pulmonary blood flow, preventing
gas exchange.
What are common risk factors for pulmonary embolism?
Risk factors include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), atrial fibrillation (A-fib), and decreased
blood flow.
What are the key assessment findings in pulmonary embolism?
Key findings include dyspnea, chest pain, cough with hemoptysis, tachycardia, and
signs of hypoxemia.
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for pulmonary embolism?
, The gold standard is pulmonary angiography.
What medications are used to treat pulmonary embolism?
Medications include anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin, and fibrinolytic drugs.
What is the pathophysiology of COPD?
COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, leading to airflow obstruction and
impaired gas exchange.
What are the main causes of COPD?
The primary cause of COPD is smoking, along with occupational exposures and age.
What are common assessment findings in COPD?
Findings include dyspnea, wheezing, barrel chest, cyanosis, and clubbing.
What is the primary nursing intervention for COPD?
Airway management is the most important nursing intervention.
What is the pathophysiology of pneumonia?
Pneumonia occurs when fluid traps in the lungs, often due to infection that the immune
system cannot overcome.
