ANCC Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam Prep

Answer - A - The basic pathophysiological changes associated with chronic bronchitis are hypertrophy of the mucous glands lining the bronchi and the production of increased amounts of mucus (sometimes thick and difficult to expectorate) that tend to narrow the airway and trap air distal to the mucus. Bronchoconstriction and edema of the bronchial walls are characteristic of asthma. Exudates in the alveoli and increasing lung stiffness are consistent with pneumonia.