Bronchitis
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
RespiratoryInfectious Diseasemedium priorityneeds review
Bronchitis
Also testable as: Acute bronchitis, Chest cold, Chronic bronchitis
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Airway inflammation is often viral acutely; chronic bronchitis is commonly linked to long-term airway irritation such as smoking.
- Bronchial swelling and mucus production cause cough, wheeze, and chest tightness.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bronchodilators | May be used when bronchospasm or wheeze is present. |
Nursing actions
- Assess work of breathing, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, fever, sputum, and risk factors.
- Teach fluids, rest, cough hygiene, smoking avoidance, and that antibiotics are not routine for viral bronchitis.
- Escalate dyspnea at rest, cyanosis, confusion, persistent high fever, or hypoxia.
Complications
- Pneumonia
- COPD exacerbation
- Hypoxia
- Dehydration
NCLEX cues
- Cough with mucus and wheeze after URI.
- Antibiotic stewardship cue.
- Low oxygen changes priority.
Memory hooks
- Bronchitis is inflamed bronchi making mucus.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Pulse oximetry
- Chest x-ray if pneumonia concern
- Sputum testing only when ordered
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.