Chronic, irreversible dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles is termed:

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2020

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2020

Explanation

Bronchiectasis is defined as the permanent and irreversible dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles.
This condition arises from inflammatory damage to the muscular and elastic components of the airway walls.
The key differentiator from other respiratory conditions is the permanent structural change (dilation) rather than temporary inflammation or constriction.
This permanent widening impairs mucus clearance, leading to a vicious cycle of chronic infection and inflammation.

Option A: Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction and inflammation, not permanent dilation. The narrowing of airways during an asthma attack is episodic and can be relieved spontaneously or with medication.
Option B: Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which leads to coughing and mucus production. While it can be chronic, its defining feature is inflammation, not the irreversible dilation seen in bronchiectasis.
Option D: Atelectasis is the collapse or incomplete expansion of the lung or a portion of the lung (alveoli). This is a loss of lung volume, which is the opposite of the airway dilation described in the question.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathophysiology of Obstructive Lung Diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nursing management for bronchiectasis focuses on airway clearance. Techniques like postural drainage, chest percussion, and positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices are crucial to help patients mobilize and expectorate the copious secretions.
Patients with bronchiectasis are at high risk for recurrent respiratory infections. Nurses must monitor for signs of exacerbation, such as increased sputum volume, change in sputum color, fever, and increased dyspnea, and administer antibiotics as prescribed.
Patient education is vital. Nurses teach patients how to perform airway clearance techniques independently, recognize early signs of infection, and maintain adequate hydration to help thin secretions.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question stem to identify the defining characteristics: 'chronic,' 'irreversible,' and 'dilation of bronchi/bronchioles.'
Second, consider each option's core definition in relation to these keywords.
Evaluate 'Asthma': This is reversible narrowing, so it's incorrect.
Evaluate 'Bronchitis': This is inflammation, not primarily dilation, so it's incorrect.
Evaluate 'Atelectasis': This is collapse, the opposite of dilation, so it's incorrect.
Conclude that 'Bronchiectasis' is the only term that specifically means irreversible dilation of the bronchi, directly matching all keywords in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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