NAECB Environmental Control 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is an example of PRIMARY prevention of asthma triggers in the home?
- Using rescue inhaler when symptoms appear
- Choosing hard-surface flooring instead of carpet when remodeling (Correct answer)
- Washing bedding weekly in hot water
- Using HEPA vacuum on existing carpet
Correct answer: Choosing hard-surface flooring instead of carpet when remodeling
Selecting hard floors instead of carpet during remodeling eliminates the primary reservoir for dust mite allergen before it is established.
Question 2: A patient asks about using scented candles at home. How should the asthma educator respond?
- Scented candles are safe because they are natural products
- Burning candles produce particulate matter and VOCs that can trigger asthma (Correct answer)
- Only paraffin candles are problematic; beeswax candles are recommended
- Candles only affect patients with fragrance allergy, not asthma
Correct answer: Burning candles produce particulate matter and VOCs that can trigger asthma
All burning candles release fine particulate matter, soot, and volatile organic compounds that can irritate airways and trigger asthma regardless of the wax type.
Question 3: An asthmatic child's symptoms consistently worsen at their grandparent's home but not at their own home. What is the MOST likely environmental explanation?
- The child's medications are less effective in different locations
- The grandparent's home likely has different allergen or irritant exposures such as pets, smoke, or older carpeting (Correct answer)
- The child experiences psychological stress visiting grandparents
- Different water quality affects asthma medication absorption
Correct answer: The grandparent's home likely has different allergen or irritant exposures such as pets, smoke, or older carpeting
Location-specific symptom patterns strongly suggest exposure to a different set of environmental triggers at that location, such as pets, tobacco smoke, or accumulated allergens.
Question 4: Which approach is MOST effective for reducing indoor ozone levels that can worsen asthma?
- Using ozone-generating air purifiers
- Increasing ventilation and avoiding ozone-generating devices (Correct answer)
- Installing carpet to absorb ozone from the air
- Running the HVAC fan continuously to circulate air
Correct answer: Increasing ventilation and avoiding ozone-generating devices
Ozone-generating air purifiers actually worsen indoor ozone levels; the best strategies are avoiding such devices and increasing fresh air ventilation.
Question 5: What is the recommended wash temperature for bedding to effectively kill dust mites?
- Warm water at 85°F (29°C)
- Hot water at least 130°F (54°C) (Correct answer)
- Cold water with detergent is sufficient
- Any temperature with allergen-neutralizing spray
Correct answer: Hot water at least 130°F (54°C)
Washing bedding in water at 130°F (54°C) or higher kills dust mites; lower temperatures may clean but do not reliably kill mites.
Question 6: A tenant with asthma reports visible mold on bathroom walls. Which guidance is MOST appropriate?
- Paint over the mold with mold-resistant paint to seal it
- Report to the landlord for professional remediation and use exhaust fans consistently (Correct answer)
- Clean with dry cloth to avoid wetting the mold
- Use scented sprays to mask mold odor while saving for remediation
Correct answer: Report to the landlord for professional remediation and use exhaust fans consistently
Visible mold requires professional remediation to remove safely; ongoing ventilation with exhaust fans prevents moisture that supports regrowth.
Question 7: Which type of vacuum cleaner is MOST recommended for homes with asthma patients?
- Standard upright vacuum without bag
- Vacuum with HEPA filter and sealed canister or bag system (Correct answer)
- Wet/dry shop vacuum for deep cleaning
- Handheld cordless vacuum for convenience
Correct answer: Vacuum with HEPA filter and sealed canister or bag system
A HEPA-filtered vacuum with a sealed system prevents allergen particles from being exhausted back into room air during vacuuming.
NAECB Environmental Control 4
Which of the following is an example of PRIMARY prevention of asthma triggers in the home?