1.
Asthma is basically:
Correct Answer
C. An atopic disease
Explanation
Asthma is classified as an atopic disease. Atopic diseases are characterized by an exaggerated immune response to normally harmless substances, such as pollen or dust mites. In the case of asthma, the immune system overreacts to these triggers, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Unlike infectious diseases caused by pathogens or malignant diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth, asthma is not caused by infection or cancerous cells. Instead, it is a chronic condition that is often triggered by environmental factors and has a strong genetic component.
2.
The characteristic feature of persistent asthma is:
Correct Answer
B. Airway inflammation
Explanation
Persistent asthma is characterized by ongoing airway inflammation. This means that the airways in the lungs are constantly inflamed, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. This inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of asthma, and it can be present even when symptoms are not actively occurring. Therefore, the presence of airway inflammation is a characteristic feature of persistent asthma. Family history of the disease, the need for oral steroids, and nocturnal wheezing can also be associated with asthma, but they are not specific to persistent asthma.
3.
Simple instrument to roughly determine lung function is a:
Correct Answer
C. Peak flow meter
Explanation
A peak flow meter is a simple instrument used to measure the maximum airflow that can be forcefully exhaled. It is commonly used to monitor lung function in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. By measuring the peak expiratory flow rate, it can help determine the severity of airway obstruction and the effectiveness of treatment. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, a manometer measures pressure in a fluid, and a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure. These instruments are not specifically designed to assess lung function.
4.
The following drug cannot cause asthma:
Correct Answer
D. Atropine
Explanation
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 characterized by bronchoconstriction and inflammation of the airways, which is exacerbated by the contraction of smooth muscles. Since Atropine inhibits the contraction of smooth muscles, it cannot cause asthma. Conversely, beta-blockers, histamine, and ibuprofen can potentially trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.
5.
Which of the following tests cannot detect airway inflammation?
Correct Answer
D. Spirometry
Explanation
Spirometry is a test that measures lung function by evaluating the amount of air a person can inhale and exhale and how quickly they can do so. While spirometry is an important tool for assessing lung function, it does not directly detect airway inflammation. In contrast, bronchial mucosal biopsy, sputum eosinophil counts, and bronchoalveolar lavage are tests that can provide information about airway inflammation by examining the cells and substances present in the airways.
6.
The parameter to detect reversibility in airflow obstruction on a
spirometry test is:
Correct Answer
A. FEV1
Explanation
FEV1 stands for Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second, which is a measure of the maximum amount of air a person can forcefully exhale in one second. In spirometry tests, FEV1 is used to detect reversibility in airflow obstruction. If there is a significant increase in FEV1 after administering a bronchodilator, it indicates that the obstruction is reversible and suggests the presence of conditions like asthma. Therefore, FEV1 is the parameter used to detect reversibility in airflow obstruction on a spirometry test.
7.
The following bronchodilator is most commonly used when doing a
reversibility test:
Correct Answer
A. Salbutamol
Explanation
Salbutamol is the most commonly used bronchodilator during a reversibility test. This medication is a short-acting beta-agonist that works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, thus opening up the bronchioles and improving airflow. It is commonly used in the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Salbutamol is preferred for reversibility tests due to its rapid onset of action and effectiveness in relieving bronchospasm. Adrenaline, Theophylline anhydrous, and Atropine are not typically used for reversibility tests.
8.
Bronchoprovocation tests usually use histamine to challenge the
airways. Besides histamine, ____________ can also be used:
Correct Answer
D. Metracholine
Explanation
Bronchoprovocation tests are used to assess the sensitivity and responsiveness of the airways. These tests involve the administration of a substance that causes the airways to constrict, thereby inducing bronchoconstriction. Histamine is commonly used for this purpose as it is a potent bronchoconstrictor. However, metracholine is another substance that can be used in bronchoprovocation tests. Like histamine, metracholine stimulates the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to bronchoconstriction. Therefore, both histamine and metracholine can be used to challenge the airways in these tests.
9.
In an acute severe attack of asthma, it is important to get a
chest x-ray done to rule out:
Correct Answer
B. A pneunothorax
Explanation
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 occur as a complication of severe asthma attacks and can lead to further respiratory distress. Therefore, ruling out a pneumothorax is crucial in managing and treating an acute asthma attack effectively.
10.
The following are helpful in determining the severity of an
acute attack except:
Correct Answer
D. Pedal edema
Explanation
Pedal edema is not helpful in determining the severity of an acute attack. The severity of an acute attack is typically determined by assessing the use of accessory muscles of respiration, the ability to complete sentences, and the peak expiratory flow rate. Pedal edema, which refers to swelling in the feet and ankles, is not directly related to the severity of an acute attack and therefore is not helpful in determining its severity.