NCLEX Pediatric: Respiratory Questions
Pediatric: Respiratory NCLEX Practice Questions
Question 1.
A 9-year-old boy who is blind and developmental^ delayed must be assisted with all meals. The boy has difficulty with swallowing and frequently coughs and chokes with feedings. The nurse should feed this child using which technique?
(a) Hold the child upright and use a soft tip bulb syringe
(b) Place the child supine and turn the boy’s head to the right
(c) Prop the child semi-sitting, chop up food, and place it in the boy’s mouth with a plastic utensil
(d) Seat the boy in a wheelchair, give small bites with metal utensils, and encourage the child to participate
Answer:
(d) Seat the boy in a wheelchair, give small bites with metal utensils, and encourage the child to participate
Explanation:
Seating a patient in an upright position will help prevent aspiration. Metal utensils are safer than plastic as they will not break. Socializing with the child enhances the nurse-client relationship. Encouraging participation enhances the child’s likelihood in interacting with the staff and engaging in his own care.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because a soft tip bulb syringe is not appropriate for feeding a 9-year-old child.
(b) is incorrect because placing the child supine during mealtimes will increase the risk for aspiration.
(c) is incorrect because the child does not have an infectious process that requires the use of disposable utensils. Furthermore, plastic utensils can break, increasing the risk for injury during feeding.
Question 2.
An 8-year-old boy goes to see the school nurse complaining of difficulty breathing. What is the first action the nurse should perform?
(a) Take vital signs
(b) Call the boy’s mother
(c) Administer an aerosol treatment
(d) Listen to the boy’s lungs
Answer:
(d) Listen to the boy’s lungs
Explanation:
Difficulty breathing in a school-age child is commonly due to an asthma attack. Immediate assessment of the lungs is the priority before intervening. The priority is to gather a baseline assessment of the ability of the lungs to move air, so the nurse can reassess after intervening. Further respiratory assessment for shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing should also be performed.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because vital signs are not the first action the nurse should take. The child is displaying signs of respiratory distress, so the respiratory system assessment is the greatest concern.
(b) is incorrect because calling the mother is not the first action. The nurse should remain on the physical care of the boy, here-and-now.
(c) is incorrect because the lungs must be assessed before administration , of an aerosol treatment.
Question 3.
An 11-year-old girl with a history of asthma is diagnosed with status asthmaticus in the emergency room. The nurse knows that this means the child:
(a) Has severe wheezing
(b) Hasn’t responded to treatment
(c) Requires an emergency tracheostomy
(d) Has underlying pneumonia
Answer:
(b) Hasn’t responded to treatment
Explanation:
Status asthmaticus is asthma with moderate-to-severe airway obstruction that does not respond to initial treatment; there is no improvement in the asthma when treatments are administered.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because wheezing stops with status asthmaticus as airways are obstructed. (Severe wheezing precedes status asthmaticus.)
(c) is incorrect because intubation may not be needed with status asthmaticus. If so, oral intubation would be attempted before a tracheostomy.
(d) is incorrect because pneumonia and status asthmaticus are not related.
Question 4.
The nurse is admitting a 16-month-old to the pediatric respiratory unit with a diagnosis of croup. The nurse is most concerned by which of the following?
(a) Inspiratory stridor is heard
(b) The mother is unable to calm the child
(c) The toddler has a barking cough
(d) The toddler has a decreased appetite
Answer:
(b) The mother is unable to calm the child
Explanation:
Croup is a respiratory problem that commonly occurs in young children in the fall and winter months. Croup will cause swelling and narrowing of the airway, causing a harsh, barking cough, and leads to dyspnea. If the mother is unable to calm the child, the nurse should assess for worsening hypoxia.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because inspiratory stridor (whistling noise heard upon inspiration) is common with croup and is not an indication of a complication.
(c) is incorrect because a barking cough is a common and expected finding with a diagnosis of croup.
(d) is incorrect because children often have a decreased appetite when ill.
Question 5.
A 2-year-old with severe croup is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and oxygen is administered via nasal cannula. The nurse knows oxygen is administered for which purpose?
(a) It congeals mucous secretions and relieves dyspnea
(b) It decreases effort of breathing and allows for rest
(c) It triggers cough reflex and facilitates mucous expectoration
(d) It decreases the child’s anxiety related to hypoxia
Answer:
(b) It decreases effort of breathing and allows for rest
Explanation:
Croup is a respiratory problem that commonly occurs in young children in the fall and winter months. Croup will cause swelling and narrowing of the airway, causing a harsh, barking cough, and leading to dyspnea. Supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula helps meet the child’s oxygen peeds and thus decreases the effort of breathing, allowing the child to rest and conserve energy for nutritional and fluid intake.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because croup does not cause mucous secretions, and oxygen therapy does not have a direct effect on the viscosity of respiratory secretions.
(c) is incorrect because mucous expectoration is not an effect of oxygen therapy, and secretions are not common with croup.
(d) is incorrect because the main purpose of oxygen therapy is to increase oxygen circulating in the blood, not to decrease anxiety. (Hypoxia may cause anxiety, but the relieving anxiety is not the primary purpose of the supplemental oxygen.)
Question 6.
A 3-year-old in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is admitted for streptococcal pneumonia and hypoxia. When the child is intubated with an oral endotracheal (ET) tube, which outcome indicates successful intubation?
(a) Bilateral breath sounds heard on auscultation
(b) SpO2 88%
(c) Audible cry heard on inspiration
(d) Chest X-ray shows the tip of ET tube is in right mainstem bronchus
Answer:
(a) Bilateral breath sounds heard on auscultation
Explanation:
Streptococcal pneumonia is pneumonia caused by streptococcus bacteria and causes dyspnea, decreased oxygenation, and atelectasis. Intubation is insertion of an artificial airway (oral ET tube) for improved oxygenation and support of the airway. Intubation is successful when bilateral breath sounds are heard on auscultation and the oxygen level in the blood (measured by pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas) returns to normal.
Rationale:
(b) is incorrect because the pulse-oximeter reading (SpO2) should be higher after intubation. (Normal SpO2 is 95-100%.)
(c) is incorrect because no cries should be heard when oral intubation is successful, as the cuff is inflated, and the child should not be able to make vocal sounds.
(d) is incorrect because intubating the right mainstem bronchus will not fully oxygenate the child.
Question 7.
A 4-year-old boy is brought to the pediatric emergency room, and the parents report he recently swallowed a small toy. Which of the following symptoms suggest the airway is completely obstructed by a foreign body?
(a) Gagging
(b) Coughing
(c) Inability to speak
(d) Rapid respirations, client’s hands are placed over his throat
Answer:
(c) Inability to speak
Explanation:
Complete airway obstruction causes inability to cough, breath, or speak. If the child is unable to cough or speak, the airway is completely obstructed and requires emergency intervention.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because gagging is due to laryngotracheal obstruction but is not an indication of partial or full blockage.
(b) is incorrect because coughing requires the movement of air and confirms that the airway is only partially occluded.
(d) is incorrect because rapid respirations are expected with partial airway obstruction and do not indicate complete airway obstruction. Patients with a foreign object in the airway will often place their hands over their throat, but this does not confirm complete airway blockage.
Question 8.
A 5-year-old girl is brought to the pediatric emergency room displaying drooling, strident cough, and lethargy. The healthcare provider suspects epiglottitis. What is the priority intervention for this child?
(a) Take vital signs
(b) Prepare for intubation
(c) Visualize the child’s throat with tongue depressor
(d) Obtain throat cultures
Answer:
(b) Prepare for intubation
Explanation:
This child has classis signs of epiglottitis, or inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a medical emergency in pediatric patients. The nurse must prepare for intubation to secure the airway.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because assessment of vital signs needs to be completed, but the airway is the priority.
(c) is incorrect because visualizing the child’s throat does not confirm epiglottitis and is not a priority assessment at this time. Enough assessment data is already present to know that the child needs help breathing.
(d) is incorrect because throat cultures are performed to determine the causative agent in an infectious process but do not address the airway at this time.
Question 9.
A 7-year-old boy is one-day post-operative tonsillectomy. When the child vomits coffee-ground-like material, what is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
(a) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
(b) Maintain NPO status for 24 hours
(c) Maintain NPO for 30 minutes, then try clear liquids
(d) Place the child supine
Answer:
(c) Maintain NPO for 30 minutes, then try clear liquids
Explanation:
Tonsillectomy is a procedure performed to remove the tonsils due to recurrent tonsillitis, airway obstruction, or debris (tonsil stones). Vomit that resembles coffee grounds is old blood, which is common after tonsillectomy. The child should be NPO for 30 minutes, then clear liquids resumed, and the nurse should assess for active bleeding. (Bright red fluid at the back of the throat, hypotension, and tachycardia indicate active bleeding.)
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because notification of the healthcare provider is not necessary unless the child is experiencing active bleeding.
(b) is incorrect because NPO for 24 hours is not necessary.
(d) is incorrect because the child should be prone or side-lying for prevention of aspiration.
Question 10.
A 7-year-old in the emergency room is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
(a) Terbutaline
(b) Beclomethasone dipropionate
(c) Prednisone
(d) Albuterol
Answer:
(d) Albuterol
Explanation:
Asthma is characterized by narrowing and obstruction of the alveoli, causing dyspnea, coughing, and wheezing. Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that causes bronchodilation, which is a rescue bronchodilator indicated for an acute asthma attack.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because terbutaline is indicated for long-term control of asthma.
(b) is incorrect because beclomethasone dipropionate is indicated for long term control of asthma.
(c) is incorrect because prednisone is a steroid medication which is used for 3 to 10 days after an acute asthma attack.
Question 11.
An 8-year-old boy admitted for status asthmaticus appears to be improving. The best method of evaluating response to therapy is for the nurse to:
(a) Auscultate breath sounds
(b) Monitor respiratory pattern
(c) Assess lips for decreased cyanosis
(d) Evaluate current peak expiratoiy flow rate
Answer:
(d) Evaluate current peak expiratoiy flow rate
Explanation:
Status asthmaticus is asthma with moderate-to-severe airway obstruction that does not respond to initial treatment. A peak expiratory flow meter measures the maximum volume of air flow that can be forcefully exhaled in one second and is compared to the individualized personal best value. This comparison is the most effective way to determine the current respiratory status.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because breath sounds are not the best method of evaluating response to therapy.
(b) is incorrect because monitoring respiratory pattern is not the best method of evaluating response to therapy.
(c) is incorrect because cyanosis is a late sign of respiratory distress and may take some time to resolve. Resolution of cyanosis is not an accurate way to determine current oxygenation status.
Question 12.
A 5-year-old child is in the pediatric medical-surgical unit following surgery. The child is drowsy and not following commands. In order to maintain the child’s airway, the nurse should perform which intervention?
(a) Have a tongue blade available
(b) Keep the child supine and immobilize the cervical spine
(c) Use nasotracheal suction every 8 to 10 minutes
(d) Place the child in lateral Sims’ position
Answer:
(d) Place the child in lateral Sims’ position
Explanation:
Lateral Sims’ position allows fluids to drain from the mouth and prevents aspiration while the child is still drowsy from anesthesia.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because a tongue blade can be used to open the mouth but does not maintain the child’s airway.
(b) is incorrect because supine position could increase the risk for aspiration, and the child does not need cervical spine immobilization.
(c) is incorrect because nasotracheal suction is used in the post-anesthesia unit and should not be needed in the medical-surgical unit unless the patient has excessive amounts of respiratory secretions.
Question 13.
A 7-year-old girl rescued from a house fire the previous day is in the .pediatric intensive care unit with burns to the upper arms and back of the neck. Smoke inhalation has led to a deterioration in the child’s respiratory condition. Which of the following should the nurse be alert for?
(a) Infection
(b) Tracheobronchial edema
(c) Posttraumatic stress disorder
(d) Generalized adaptations to stress
Answer:
(b) Tracheobronchial edema
Explanation:
Any burns sustained to the upper extremities, head, face, neck, trunk, or upper back increase the risk for airway compromise. Heat and smoke inhalation can cause fluid to shift from the intravascular compartment into the interstitial compartment, which results in edema and obstructs the airway. This can be delayed for 24 to 48 hours.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because smoke inhalation does not directly cause infection.
(c) is incorrect because posttraumatic stress disorder does not occur 24 hours after an incident.
(d) is incorrect because generalized adaptations to stress do not occur 24 hours after an incident.
Question 14.
A child with cystic fibrosis is in the clinic with early signs of an upper respiratory tract infection with a moderate cough and a runny nose. The nurse teaches the child’s mother to do which of the following?
(a) Make sure the child eats well
(b) Take the child’s temperature twice per day
(c) Offer plenty of orange juice
(d) Increase chest physiotherapy to four times daily
Answer:
(d) Increase chest physiotherapy to four times daily
Explanation:
Cystic fibrosis affects production of mucous and sweat, causing dysfunction in the lungs and digestive system. An upper respiratory tract infection could develop into pneumonia for this child if secretions aren’t loosened and removed with percussion and postural drainage.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because eating well is important to maintain optimal nutritional intake, but chest physiotherapy is the priority.
(b) is incorrect because monitoring the child’s temperature is important to determine if the infection is worsening, but chest physiotherapy is important because it can help prevent the worsening of infection.
(c) is incorrect because orange juice is important but not as much as chest physiotherapy.
Question 15.
The nurse in the pediatric medical-surgical unit is caring for a 10-year- old girl with cystic fibrosis. The child tells the nurse she feels like she isn’t getting enough air. Which of the following indicates compensation for decreased blood oxygen levels?
(a) Sunken abdomen
(b) Distended j ugular veins
(c) Edema in lower extremities
(d) Clubbing of fingers and toes
Answer:
(d) Clubbing of fingers and toes
Explanation:
Cystic fibrosis affects production of mucous and sweat, causing dysfunction in the lungs and digestive system. Clubbing of fingers and toes indicates collateral circulation has been built to compensate for .decreased oxygen levels.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because a sunken abdomen is an indication of malnutrition or infection with a parasite.
(b) is incorrect because distended jugular veins indicate circulatory volume overload or superior vena cava syndrome.
(c) is incorrect because lower extremity edema can be a manifestation of several different disorders, including heart failure, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or as a result of mechanical ventilation.
Question 16.
The nurse in the pediatric medical-surgical unit is caring for a 12-year- old female with cystic fibrosis. When reviewing the medication record, the nurse notes a dose of pancreatic enzymes is due this morning. When should the nurse administer the medication?
(a) With breakfast
(b) After breakfast
(c) With antibiotics
(d) 2 hours before breakfast
Answer:
(a) With breakfast
Explanation:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects production of mucous and sweat, causing dysfunction in the lungs and digestive system. Supplemental pancreatic enzymes help the CF patient digest dietary fat and should be administered with high-calorie, high-protein meals for breakdown of dietary fat and increased absorption.
Rationale:
(b) is incorrect because pancreatic enzymes should be administered with meals.
(c) is incorrect because pancreatic enzymes should be administered with meals, and PO antibiotics should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to maximize antibiotic absorption.
(d) is incorrect because administration of pancreatic enzymes 2 hours before a meal will not achieve the full effect for maximizing fat absorption during meal digestion.
Question 17.
The nurse is caring for a 6-month-old admitted for bronchiolitis. Which of the following is an important nursing measure for this infant?
(a) Promote stimulating activities that meet the infant’s developmental needs
(b) Make regular assessments of the infant’s skin color, anterior fontanel, and vital signs
(c) Discourage parental visits during the acute phase for conservation of the infant’s energy
(d) Maintain airborne precautions including donning a gown, cap, mask, and gloves when providing care
Answer:
(b) Make regular assessments of the infant’s skin color, anterior fontanel, and vital signs
Explanation:
Bronchiolitis is inflammation, infection, and congestion of the bronchioles (the small air passageways in the lungs) caused by a virus, commonly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Bronchiolitis typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks and the child can typically be cared for at home. When hospitalized, assessments of skin color, anterior fontanel, and vital signs are important for monitoring of hydration and oxygenation status.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because stimulating activities may increase the demand for energy and leave the child with less energy for breathing.
(c) is incorrect because energy must be conserved, but parents should be , encouraged to visit their infant in a calm and restful environment.
(d) is incorrect because airborne precautions are not necessary with bronchiolitis.
Question 18.
A 6-month-old infant is admitted with bronchiolitis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The nurse places the infant in a private room and institutes which type of precautions?
(a) Droplet
(b) Standard
(c) Contact
(d) Airborne
Answer:
(c) Contact
Explanation:
Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the bronchioles caused by a virus, commonly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Although this is usually treated at home, when a child is hospitalized for RSV, contact precautions should be initiated as the virus can live on surfaces for up to 6 hours. Clean gloves are to be worn for contact with the patient or the patient’s belongings or surfaces in the patient’s room. Gloves must be removed before leaving the client’s environment, and hands must be washed with an antimicrobial soap. A gown must be worn if the nurse is going to come into contact with the patient or contaminated items in the patient’s environment.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because droplet precautions are not necessary with RSV. Examples of diseases that require droplet precautions include diphtheria, group A. streptococcus pneumonia, H. influenza type B, rubella, mumps, and pertussis.
(b) is incorrect because contact precautions are used with RSV, in addition to standard precautions.
(d) is incorrect because airborne precautions are not necessary with RSV. Airborne precautions are required for varicella, tuberculosis, measles, and disseminated zoster.
Question 19.
The mother of a 3-year-old boy calls the nurse into the hospital room and says her son is choking. What is the priority intervention by the nurse?
(a) Open the child’s mouth and sweep for foreign material
(b) Give five back blows with the child over the nurse’s arm face down
(c) Assess whether the child can make vocal sounds
(d) Perform five subdiaphragmatic abdominal thrusts with the child supine
Answer:
(c) Assess whether the child can make vocal sounds
Explanation:
Complete airway obstruction causes inability to cough, breath, or speak. If the child is unable to speak, the airway is completely obstructed and requires emergency intervention. Thus, the nurse’s initial priority action is to determine if the airway is fully obstructed. (If the child is able to cough or speak, the nurse should encourage the child to continue coughing until the object becomes dislodged or it becomes evident that the airway has become fully obstructed.)
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because performing a blind sweep can push a foreign object further into the airway and cause obstruction.
(b) is incorrect because back blows in this position are used on children age 1 year or younger.
(d) is incorrect because abdominal thrusts are performed after confirmation of complete airway obstruction.
Question 20.
The nurse is caring for a 6-month-old girl admitted with bronchiolitis. Jhe nurse organizes care to allow for uninterrupted periods of rest. This plan is:
(a) Inappropriate because constant care is necessary in the acute phase of bronchiolitis
(b) Appropriate because cool mist helps maintain hydration status
(c) Inappropriate because frequent assessment by auscultation is required
(d) Appropriate because this promotes decreased oxygen demands
Answer:
(d) Appropriate because this promotes decreased oxygen demands
Explanation:
Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the bronchioles caused by a virus, commonly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Allowing periods of uninterrupted rest promotes decreased oxygen demands.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because constant care increases oxygen needs.
(b) is incorrect because cool mist helps humidify the airway but does not maintain hydration status or meet the child’s fluid needs.
(c) is incorrect because frequent airway assessment by auscultation increases oxygen needs. It is appropriate to cluster care in order to provide adequate rest time, as the child with bronchiolitis is often fatigued. The nurse should assess the airway every 2 hours and as needed if the child’s condition deteriorates.
Question 21.
A 12-year-old boy with a history of asthma visits the school nurse reporting chest pain. When the nurse determines the boy has not had problems with his asthma in several years, what is the next action the nurse should perform?
(a) Obtain a peak flow reading
(b) Instruct the boy to lie down for 30 minutes
(c) Call the child’s parents for more information
(d) Administer two puffs of the child’s short-acting bronchodilator
Answer:
(a) Obtain a peak flow reading
Explanation:
Asthma is chronic inflammation and obstruction in the lungs with symptoms including chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. More assessment needs to be done before intervening with this child. A peak flow reading will indicate how compromised the airways are and will help the nurse determine which course of action to take next. This critical assessment is necessary before administering medications, notifying the parents, or contacting the healthcare provider.
Rationale:
(b) is incorrect because further airway assessment needs to be performed before having the boy change position. An elevated head of bed facilitates easier breathing, so if the airways are constricted, assuming a lying down position will not help.
(c) is incorrect because calling the parents for information does not give pertinent information about the airway and current respiratory status.
(d) is incorrect because assessment needs to be performed before administering a short-acting bronchodilator. A baseline respiratory assessment must be done to determine how constricted the airways are so the nurse can re-evaluate after administration of a medication.
Question 22.
The nursing student in the family clinic is learning about respiratory infections in children. The nursing student learns that infants younger than 3 months of age have better resistance to respiratory infections due to:
(a) Frequent checkups
(b) Maternal antibodies
(c) Inability to breathe through their nose
(d) Lack of exposure
Answer:
(b) Maternal antibodies
Explanation:
While in utero, the developing fetus acquires maternal antibodies that protect the infant at birth and for up to 3 months after birth. This decreases the risk of respiratory infections in infants.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because frequent checkups do not prevent respiratory infections.
(b) is incorrect because nose-breathing does not prevent respiratory infections.
(d) is incorrect because infants are still potentially exposed to respiratory infections by coming into contact with people in the home, siblings, people in the community, or other children at daycare.
Question 23.
The nurse is assessing a newborn in the family clinic, and the mother tells the nurse the infant has been having difficulty nursing. The nurse knows newborns can have difficulty breathing while nursing if:
(a) They have developed colic
(b) The mother is obese
(c) The environment is too warm
(d) The nares are not patent
Answer:
(d) The nares are not patent
Explanation:
Infants up to 4 weeks of age are nose breathers and are unable to breathe through their mouths. If for any reason the nares are not patent, such as mucus or underdeveloped nares, the newborn will be unable to breathe while nursing, which can affect nutritional status.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because colic does not affect breathing while nursing.
(b) is incorrect because maternal weight does not affect breathing while nursing unless the mother’s breasts are so large that they occlude the infant’s nostrils.
(c) is incorrect because environmental temperature does not affect breathing while nursing.
Question 24.
An 8-year-old boy is brought to the emergency room by his parents complaining that “he seems to be breathing fast.” When the nurse assesses the boy, no fever is present, the respiratory rate is 35 bpm, and he has a nonproductive cough. The parents report the child recently had a cold. Which of the following is an appropriate statement by the nurse?
(a) Acute asthma
(b) Bronchial pneumonia
(c) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
(d) Emphysema
Answer:
(a) Acute asthma
Explanation:
Asthma is chronic inflammation and obstruction in the lungs with symptoms including chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Due to the child’s history and symptoms, acute asthma is most likely the diagnosis.
Rationale:
(b) is incorrect because bronchial pneumonia in children is characterized by a productive cough and elevated temperature.
(c) is incorrect because COPD does not typically occur in children. (COPD is most prevalent in older and middle-aged adults but is not a normal part of aging.)
(d) is incorrect because emphysema does not occur in children. Emphysema is the over-inflation of the alveoli. Predisposing factors include smoking, environmental pollution, and chronic infections.
Question 25.
An 8-year-old with acute asthma is in the emergency room displaying inspiratory and expiratory wheezes and decreased expiratory volume. Which of the following classes of medications does the nurse anticipate administering?
(a) Beta-adrenergic blockers
(b) Bronchodilators
(c) Inhaled steroids
(d) Oral steroids
Answer:
(b) Bronchodilators
Explanation:
Asthma is chronic inflammation and obstruction in the lungs with symptoms including chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Bronchodilators are considered first-line treatment due to the bronchoconstriction that occurs with asthma, which reduces airflow.
Rationale:
(a) is incorrect because beta-adrenergic blockers are not used in asthma. These medications are used to control hypertension and to treat angina and migraines.
(c) is incorrect because inhaled steroids are not for emergency relief in asthma.
(d) is incorrect because oral steroids are not for emergency relief in asthma.