Question 1

Which of the following best describes the pathophysiological process leading to airway obstruction in asthma?

Accepted Answer

Bronchospasm, airway hyper-responsiveness, inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion

Question 2

A 10-year-old child presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, cough, and chest tightness, especially at night. Pulmonary function testing reveals a post-bronchodilator increase in FEV$$_1 of 15$$% and 250 mL over baseline. Which feature is most consistent with asthma?

Accepted Answer

Expiratory lung function variability and reversibility

Question 3

Which of the following is a non-reversible component of asthma pathophysiology?

Accepted Answer

Airway remodeling due to collagen deposition

Question 4

A patient with asthma is found to have a FEV$$_1/$$FVC ratio of 0.65. What does this finding indicate?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive airflow limitation

Question 5

Which of the following is most likely to trigger the Th2 phenotype, increasing the risk of allergic asthma?

Accepted Answer

Widespread use of antibiotics and urban lifestyle

Question 6

Which medication class is primarily used for acute bronchodilation in asthma management?

Accepted Answer

Short-acting beta$$_2$$ agonists

Question 7

A patient with severe asthma is unable to complete full sentences and has a FEV$$_1$$ less than 40% predicted. Which additional sign is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia and cyanosis of lips and nailbeds

Question 8

Which of the following is a key mediator released by mast cells that contributes to bronchoconstriction in asthma?

Accepted Answer

Histamine

Question 9

Which phenotype of asthma is most likely to show poor response to inhaled corticosteroids and is associated with neutrophilic inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Non-allergic (low Type 2, neutrophilic)

Question 10

Which of the following is a protective factor against the development of asthma according to epidemiological studies?

Accepted Answer

Farm living and exposure to livestock

Question 11

A patient with asthma experiences symptoms that are commonly worse at night and early morning. Which physiological process best explains this pattern?

Accepted Answer

Circadian variation in airway inflammation and bronchial hyper-responsiveness

Question 12

Which of the following laboratory findings is most consistent with allergic (high Type 2) asthma?

Accepted Answer

Elevated eosinophil count and IgE levels

Question 13

Which of the following is the most common physical exam finding in a patient with asthma?

Accepted Answer

Expiratory wheezing

Question 14

Which equation is used to assess airflow limitation in asthma, and what is the normal range in adults?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{FEV}_1/\mathrm{FVC}$$; normal range is 0.75–0.80$

Question 15

Which of the following medications acts as a mast cell stabilizer in asthma management?

Accepted Answer

Cromolyn Sodium

Question 16

A patient with asthma is prescribed omalizumab. What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Binds to IgE and prevents its interaction with mast cells

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why airway remodeling in asthma is considered non-reversible?

Accepted Answer

It involves permanent structural changes such as collagen deposition and smooth muscle proliferation

Question 18

Which of the following is a common trigger for asthma exacerbations?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory viral infections

Question 19

A patient with exercise-induced asthma is most likely to benefit from which medication prior to physical activity?

Accepted Answer

Short-acting beta$$_2$$ agonist (albuterol)

Question 20

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature between asthma and COPD?

Accepted Answer

Asthma typically shows reversible airflow limitation, while COPD is largely irreversible

Asthma: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Presentation

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