Asthma Pathophysiology Quiz (ECA)

What is the primary pathophysiological cause behind asthma? 

Which part of the respiratory tree is most likely to show physiological changes during an asthma attack? 

Which of the following best describes bronchoconstriction? 

Which inflammatory cells play a key role in the development of an acute asthma attack? 

In chronic asthma patients, which cells may increase in size and number, resulting in potential overproduction of mucus? 

What happens to airway resistance during an asthma attack? 

What symptom results directly from increased airway resistance? 

During an asthma attack, the patient’s work of breathing and respiratory rate increases because… 

Patients may have a Salbutamol inhaler, normally blue in colour. What type of medication is this? 

Ipratropium bromide inhalers (also known as Atrovent) are what type of medication? 

The pathophysiology associated with an acute asthma attack is most similar to which other condition? 

Basophils and mast cells are responsible for releasing which chemical mediator associated with allergic reactions, inflammation, and bronchoconstriction? 

Triggers of acute asthma can come from which of the following? 

Which of the following is a late and clinically significant sign of life-threatening asthma? 

You attend a 33-year-old female who experiences regular asthma attacks. On arrival you notice increased work of breathing, a tripod position, and cyanosis around the lips and fingertips. Initial observations are: HR 125, RR 35, BP 106/88, Temp 37.1°C, BM 5.6. You are unable to obtain an SpO₂ reading as her hands are cold. According to JRCALC, what category would you place this patient under?