A disease condition characterized by excessive mucus collection with collapse of alveoli is?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2016

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2016

Explanation

Atelectasis is defined as the collapse of alveoli, which impairs gas exchange.
A common cause is obstructive or resorption atelectasis, where an airway is blocked by a mucus plug.
The air trapped in the alveoli distal to the obstruction is absorbed into the blood, causing the alveoli to collapse.
This pathophysiology directly matches the question's description of a condition characterized by excessive mucus and alveolar collapse.

Option A: Asthma is characterized by reversible airway inflammation and bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways), not the collapse of alveoli. While mucus production can increase, the primary issue is airway hyperresponsiveness.
Option C: Bronchiectasis is defined by the permanent and irreversible dilation (widening) of the bronchi and bronchioles, which is the opposite of collapse. While chronic mucus production is a key feature and can lead to secondary atelectasis in some areas, the primary disease process is bronchial dilation.
Option D: A lung abscess is a localized, pus-filled cavity within the lung tissue, accompanied by necrosis (tissue death). It is a form of infection and tissue destruction, not a simple collapse of alveoli due to obstruction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathophysiology of Respiratory Conditions helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Atelectasis is a common and preventable postoperative complication. Immobility, anesthesia, and pain can lead to shallow breathing and retained secretions, increasing the risk.
Nursing interventions such as encouraging incentive spirometry, deep breathing exercises, coughing, and early ambulation are critical for preventing atelectasis in at-risk patients.
Recognizing the signs of atelectasis, such as diminished breath sounds, crackles, and low oxygen saturation, is a key nursing assessment skill.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question into its core components: 1) a condition involving 'excessive mucus collection' and 2) resulting in 'collapse of alveoli'.
Next, systematically evaluate each option based on its fundamental definition.
Consider 'Asthma': This is primarily airway inflammation and bronchospasm. While mucus is involved, alveolar collapse is not its defining feature.
Consider 'Atelectasis': By definition, this term means collapse of the alveoli. Obstruction by mucus is a classic cause. This is a direct match.
Consider 'Bronchiectasis': This is permanent dilation (widening) of airways, the opposite of collapse.
Consider 'Lung abscess': This is a localized, pus-filled cavity. It's an infection with tissue destruction, not a simple collapse.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pathophysiology of Respiratory Conditions
Stem keywords: disease condition, excessive mucus collection, collapse of alveoli
Lead-in keywords: is
Negative lead-in flag: false

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