What is a condition characterized by episodes of severe, acute shortness of breath, often occurring at night?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This condition is characterized by sudden, severe shortness of breath at night. It can be caused by heart failure or other cardiac conditions. Sleep apnea (B) is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, not specifically related to acute shortness of breath. Orthopnea (C) is difficulty breathing while lying flat and is not specific to nighttime episodes. Dyspnea (D) is a general term for difficulty breathing and does not specifically refer to acute episodes at night.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is the term used to describe a condition where the lung collapses due to air leaking into the pleural space. This causes pressure on the lung, leading to its collapse. Pleural effusion (B) is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, not air. Atelectasis (C) is the collapse of a portion or the entire lung due to various reasons but not air leakage. Pulmonary fibrosis (D) is a condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and thickened, not related to air leakage causing lung collapse.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to difficulty breathing. 2. It is a chronic respiratory condition with symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. 3. Asthma exacerbations can be triggered by various factors like allergens or exercise. 4. Treatment includes bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms. 5. COPD, bronchitis, and pneumonia involve different pathophysiological mechanisms and are not primarily characterized by airway narrowing. Summary: Asthma is the correct answer due to its specific features of airway inflammation and narrowing, distinct from COPD, bronchitis, and pneumonia, which have different underlying causes and symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bronchitis. Bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing symptoms such as persistent cough and mucus production. This condition is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, irritants, or smoking. Asthma (B) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and tightening, leading to difficulty breathing. Pneumonia (C) is an infection in the lungs, typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Cystic fibrosis (D) is a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and other organs, leading to thick mucus production and recurrent infections. Therefore, the term that specifically describes inflammation of the bronchial tubes is bronchitis, making it the correct answer in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. This narrowing and hardening of the arteries can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) refers to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, which is a general term and not specific to plaque buildup. Hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, which can contribute to atherosclerosis but is not the primary cause. Diabetes (choice D) can also be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, but it is not the direct buildup of plaque in the arteries.