National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) Practice Exam

What should be included when counseling a young female adult about asthma?

1. Quick relief medications will not provide relief to her symptoms caused by bronchoconstriction

2. When she is exposed to a trigger, she will get initial symptoms caused by airway inflammation

3. When exercising, she will have increased coughing due to bronchoconstriction

4. When exercising, she will have increased coughing due to airway inflammation

The correct answer is: When exercising, she will have increased coughing due to bronchoconstriction

The correct choice highlights the connection between exercise and bronchoconstriction in individuals with asthma. During physical activity, particularly in conditions such as cold air or dry environments, airways may constrict due to the increased demand for airflow, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. This emphasizes the physiological response that occurs with exercise in those who have asthma, and it is crucial information for a young female adult managing her asthma. Understanding that exercise can provoke bronchoconstriction helps her recognize the importance of pre-exercise medication, such as using a quick-relief inhaler, and taking precautions, such as warming up before rigorous activities or avoiding triggers. Educating about this response enables her to anticipate symptoms and manage her condition effectively. In the context of the other options, they present different aspects of asthma management but do not accurately address the exercise-induced symptoms specifically related to bronchoconstriction. Recognizing these triggers and their physiological implications is essential for effective asthma management.