Take the Test

1. Which characteristic defines asthma according to the Global Initiative for Asthma?

• a. Chronic airway inflammation
• b. Allergic symptoms
• c. Wheezing after exercise
• d. Psychological distress

2. Which type of asthma does a school-age child have who experiences symptoms when exposed to pollen, similar to the experiences of other family members?

• a. Occupational
• b. Allergic
• c. Eosinophilic
• d. Nonallergic

3. Which statement is correct regarding asthma in the United States?

• a. The prevalence of asthma has decreased slightly in recent years.
• b. Asthma is more common in adult men than adult women.
• c. Asthma is the third leading chronic disease in children.
• d. Asthma symptoms in women improve during puberty.

4. Which action occurs during the “asthma cascade” when an individual is exposed to an allergen?

• a. Dilation of the bronchial smooth muscle
• b. Development of a constellation of signs and symptoms
• c. Reduced mucus secretion in the airways
• d. Irreversible airway obstruction

5. Which factor has been shown to contribute to the development of asthma?

• a. A bacterial antigen passed from mother to fetus
• b. Genetic inheritance
• c. An individual’s ethnicity
• d. Inborn errors of metabolism

6. Which comorbid condition is associated with asthma?

• a. Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome
• b. Congestive heart failure
• c. Obesity
• d. Hypertension

7. Which factor in a person’s history is the most accurate predictor of a death from bronchial asthma?

• a. Beta agonist inhaler use
• b. A hospitalization for an asthma attack
• c. Age of onset of asthma symptoms
• d. Intubation for a severe asthma attack

8. Which statement is correct concerning peak flow meter measurements?

• a. A reading in the yellow zone means asthma is under control.
• b. The lowest reading is called the patient’s “personal best.”
• c. Readings should be taken at different times each day.
• d. A reading in the red zone signals a medical alert.

9. Which asthma drug delivery device is commonly used with infants and small children?

• a. Metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
• b. Dry powder inhaler (DPI)
• c. Soft mist inhaler
• d. Nebulizer

10. Which statement describes the proper use of inhalers?

• a. After using a steroid inhaler, rinse the mouth, gargle, and spit out the water.
• b. The procedure for proper use is identical for all types of inhalers.
• c. It is necessary to wait 1 full minute between puffs for all types of inhaled medications.
• d. To clean an inhaler, submerge the canister and mouthpiece in hot water for 2 minutes.

11. Which medication is considered standard initial care when treating an asthma attack in the emergency department?

• a. Epinephrine or terbutaline
• b. Ipratropium intravenously
• c. Inhaled SABA
• d. Inhaled glucocorticoids

12. Which action should occur when patients are discharged from the ED after an asthma attack?

• a. Discontinuing use of the reliever inhaler
• b. Providing a brief, focused session of asthma education
• c. Arranging for the use of supplemental oxygen
• d. Filling a prescription for the use of epinephrine (EpiPen) as needed

13. Which peak flow rate in an asthma action plan indicates that a patient is in the “red zone”?

• a. Peak flow is greater than the patient’s personal best.
• b. Peak flow is the same as the patient’s personal best.
• c. Peak flow is between 50% and 79% of the patient’s personal best.
• d. Peak flow is less than 50% of the patient’s personal best.

14. Which action is recommended to effectively reduce dust mite populations in order to achieve asthma relief?

• a. Using chemical pesticides
• b. Adding protective rugs and carpets over concrete floors
• c. Weekly washing of bedding in hot water
• d. Using humidifiers and keeping the house warmer than usual

15. Which technique taught by a physical therapist may increase thoracic movement, flexibility, and compliance in patients with asthma?

• a. Chest wall mobilization
• b. Buteyko
• c. Physical training
• d. Postural drainage

16. Which action is a role of occupational therapy in asthma management?

• a. Measuring a patient’s forced vital capacity
• b. Ordering asthma medications
• c. Educating patients on adaptive strategies
• d. Creating the patient’s asthma action plan

17. Which statement describes status asthmaticus?

• a. A severe asthma attack in which symptoms continue despite treatment
• b. Air entering the central compartment of the thoracic cavity
• c. Increased airway pressure due to mechanical ventilation
• d. Inflammation of the airways due to a secondary respiratory infection

18. Which condition is a serious systemic complication that can be caused by long-term use of oral corticosteroids?

• a. Preeclampsia
• b. Cushing’s syndrome
• c. Thrush
• d. Intracerebral hemorrhage

19. Which factor makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat asthma in older adults?

• a. The disease often goes into remission.
• b. Other health problems can mask the disease.
• c. Inhaled asthma medications are not tolerated in this population.
• d. The majority of older adults have only cough-variant asthma.

20. Which legal provision exists in all 50 U.S. states for children with asthma who are in school?

• a. Requiring the parent to administer reliever inhalers
• b. Requiring immediate transport of a child with an asthma exacerbation to the emergency department
• c. Allowing students with asthma to carry and self-administer reliever inhalers
• d. Requiring a school nurse to administer reliever inhalers