Question

a student nurse is preparing to care for a client diagnosed with bronchiectasis. the student nurse should recognize that this client is likely to experience respiratory difficulties related to what pathophysiologic process?
intermittent episodes of acute bronchospasm
alveolar distention and impaired diffusion
excessive gas exchange in the bronchioles
dilation of bronchi and bronchioles

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

1. Intermittent episodes of acute bronchospasm: This is typical of asthma, not bronchiectasis.
2. Alveolar distention and impaired diffusion: This describes emphysema (a type of COPD), not bronchiectasis.
3. Excessive gas exchange in the bronchioles: Bronchiectasis involves impaired gas exchange due to structural changes, not excessive exchange.
4. Dilation of bronchi and bronchioles: By definition, bronchiectasis is the permanent dilation (enlargement) of the bronchi and bronchioles, often due to chronic infection or inflammation, which leads to respiratory difficulties.

Answer:

D. Dilation of bronchi and bronchioles