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Multiple Choice
At the onset of an acute asthma attack, patients commonly experience difficulty breathing and:
A
decreased heart rate
B
wheezing due to narrowed airways
C
increased blood glucose levels
D
excessive saliva production
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of the problem: Acute asthma attacks are characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can lead to difficulty breathing. This is a physiological response to triggers such as allergens, exercise, or irritants.
Identify the symptoms associated with asthma attacks: Common symptoms include wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms are caused by the narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs.
Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each option in relation to the physiological effects of an asthma attack. For example, decreased heart rate is not typically associated with asthma attacks, while wheezing is a hallmark symptom.
Consider the role of the narrowed airways: During an asthma attack, the smooth muscles around the airways contract, and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus. This combination leads to the characteristic wheezing sound.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'wheezing due to narrowed airways,' as it directly relates to the physiological changes occurring during an asthma attack.