Asthma

Question 1

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) is defined as:
A. Maximum volume of air that can be inspired after a normal tidal volume
B. Volume of air in lungs at the end of passive expiration
C. Volume of air exhaled during forced expiration
D. Volume of air inhaled during tidal breathing

Answer 1

B

Question 2

FRC is the sum of:
A. Tidal volume (TV) + Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)
B. Residual volume (RV) + Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)
C. Total lung capacity (TLC) – IRV
D. Vital capacity (VC) + RV

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which of the following is true regarding FRC measurement?
A. Can be measured accurately using spirometry alone
B. Requires techniques like nitrogen washout, helium dilution, or body plethysmography
C. Is independent of lung parenchymal compliance
D. Equals peak expiratory flow rate

Answer 3

B

Question 4

In a spirometry reversibility test, what minimum improvement in FEV₁ after bronchodilator indicates asthma?
A. ≥5%
B. ≥10%
C. ≥15%
D. ≥20%

Answer 4

C

Question 5

If FEV₁ rises <15% after bronchodilator, this suggests:
A. Definitive asthma diagnosis
B. Obstruction likely caused by another pathology
C. Patient has restrictive lung disease only
D. Airway obstruction has fully reversed

Answer 5

B

Question 6

The primary cellular mechanism in allergen-triggered asthma involves:
A. Activation of neutrophils leading to apoptosis
B. Mast cell degranulation reducing cyclic AMP in bronchial smooth muscle
C. Alveolar macrophage hyperplasia increasing surfactant
D. Fibroblast proliferation in airways

Answer 6

B

Question 7

In asthma, mucous hypersecretion can lead to:
A. Reduced tidal volume without airway obstruction
B. Mucous plugging of small airways
C. Increased surfactant production
D. Alveolar collapse only in dependent regions

Answer 7

B

Question 8

Which clinical sign is characteristic during an acute asthma attack?
A. Decreased accessory muscle use
B. Wheeze on auscultation
C. Inspiratory stridor only
D. Low RR

Answer 8

B

Question 9

Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of airflow obstruction in asthma?
A. Tidal volume
B. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
C. Inspiratory Reserve Volume
D. Residual Volume

Answer 9

B

Question 10

Which controller drug inhibits mast cell degranulation?
A. Salbutamol
B. Sodium cromoglycate
C. Prednisone (short-acting)
D. Theophylline

Answer 10

B

Question 11

Why is FRC important in asthma management?
A. It determines airway resistance directly
B. It reflects the volume of air available to prevent airway collapse at end-expiration
C. It predicts peak expiratory flow
D. It indicates the degree of bronchoconstriction only

Answer 11

B

Question 12

A late-phase reaction in exercise-induced asthma occurs:
A. Immediately during exercise only
B. 4–12 hours after exercise
C. Only in winter
D. Only in children under 5

Answer 12

B

Question 13

Which test is performed repeatedly over several weeks to monitor airflow variability in asthma?
A. Spirometry reversibility test
B. Peak flow monitoring
C. FeNO test
D. Chest X-ray

Answer 13

B

Question 14

In spirometry, reproducible flow-volume loops are important because:
A. They eliminate the need for bronchodilator testing
B. They ensure test validity and detect reversibility reliably
C. They measure residual volume
D. They predict long-term prognosis only

Answer 14

B

Question 15

The Buteyko breathing technique involves:
A. Prolonged inspiratory hold
B. Controlled exhalation with nose pinch and brief breath-hold
C. Rapid shallow breathing only
D. Hyperventilation to reduce CO₂

Answer 15

B