Question

In the patient experiencing an asthma exacerbation, which of the following changes occur?

1) Airway edema
2) Bronchodilation
3) Hypotension
4) Bronchoconstriction
5) Airway narrowing

Answer 1

During an asthma exacerbation, airway edema, bronchoconstriction, and airway narrowing occur as muscles around the airways tighten and produce excess mucus.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the patient experiencing an asthma exacerbation, several physiologic changes take place within the airways. The primary changes include airway edema, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production which in turn leads to further airway narrowing. These reactions are part of the body's response to various triggers such as allergens or irritants in the environment. During an asthma attack, bronchodilation does not occur; instead, the muscles around the airways tighten and narrow the passages, and hypotension is not a typical feature of an asthma attack. The narrowing of airways makes it difficult to breathe, resulting in symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.