Your patient has pneumonia and is having an asthma attack.Which of the following mechanisms would be contributing to the sensation of dyspnea?
A)Increase in the work of breathing due to high airway resistance
B)Increase in the work of breathing due to low lung compliance
C)Increase in the drive to breathe due to hypoxemia
D)All the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All three mechanisms (increase in airway resistance, decrease in lung compliance, and hypoxemia) can contribute to the sensation of dyspnea in a patient with pneumonia and an asthma attack. The combination of inflammation, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction in the airways can lead to an increased work of breathing and airway resistance, making it harder for the patient to breathe. The damage to the lung tissue from pneumonia can also decrease lung compliance, making it harder for the lungs to expand and take in air. Hypoxemia, which is low levels of oxygen in the blood, can stimulate the drive to breathe and make the patient feel short of breath.

Your Patient Has Pneumonia and Is Having an Asthma Attack