NAECB Asthma Education 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which spirometry finding is characteristic of obstructive lung disease such as asthma?
- Decreased FVC with normal FEV1/FVC ratio
- Decreased FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70 (Correct answer)
- Increased FEV1 with normal FVC
- Normal FEV1 with decreased TLC
Correct answer: Decreased FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70
An FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70 post-bronchodilator confirms airflow obstruction characteristic of asthma.
Question 2: A patient on high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is most at risk for which local adverse effect?
- Systemic osteoporosis
- Oral candidiasis (Correct answer)
- Adrenal suppression
- Cataracts
Correct answer: Oral candidiasis
Oral candidiasis (thrush) is the most common local side effect of ICS, prevented by rinsing the mouth after each use.
Question 3: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) typically peaks how many minutes after stopping exercise?
- 1-3 minutes
- 5-10 minutes (Correct answer)
- 15-30 minutes
- 45-60 minutes
Correct answer: 5-10 minutes
EIB typically peaks 5-10 minutes after exercise cessation and usually resolves within 30-60 minutes.
Question 4: According to the NAECB scope of practice, which role best describes the asthma educator's primary function?
- Prescribing inhaled corticosteroids independently
- Diagnosing new-onset asthma from spirometry results
- Facilitating patient knowledge, skills, and self-management behaviors (Correct answer)
- Performing bronchial challenge testing
Correct answer: Facilitating patient knowledge, skills, and self-management behaviors
The asthma educator's primary role is to facilitate education that improves patient knowledge, self-management skills, and adherence.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) in asthma?
- They directly relax bronchial smooth muscle via beta-2 receptors
- They block the action of leukotrienes that cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation (Correct answer)
- They suppress IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
- They inhibit phosphodiesterase to increase cAMP levels
Correct answer: They block the action of leukotrienes that cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation
LTRAs such as montelukast block leukotriene receptors, reducing bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and airway inflammation.
Question 6: A written asthma action plan should include instructions based on which TWO primary indicators?
- Heart rate and oxygen saturation
- Symptoms and peak flow measurements (Correct answer)
- FEV1 and FVC values only
- IgE levels and eosinophil count
Correct answer: Symptoms and peak flow measurements
Written action plans use symptoms and peak flow measurements (green/yellow/red zones) to guide patient decision-making.
Question 7: Which statement about allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) in asthma is correct?
- It is recommended as a first-line controller therapy for all asthma patients
- It may reduce asthma symptoms in patients with allergic asthma triggered by specific allergens (Correct answer)
- It is contraindicated in patients with any severity of asthma
- It provides immediate bronchodilation during acute episodes
Correct answer: It may reduce asthma symptoms in patients with allergic asthma triggered by specific allergens
Allergen immunotherapy can reduce symptom burden and medication need in patients with allergic asthma sensitized to specific allergens.
NAECB Asthma Education 3
Which spirometry finding is characteristic of obstructive lung disease such as asthma?