For a patient requiring bronchodilation, which condition should be avoided?

• A. Fractured ribs
• B. Pulmonary edema
• C. Untreated pneumothorax
• D. Obstructive lung disease

Answer: (C)

In the context of bronchodilation, the condition that should be avoided is an untreated pneumothorax. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways and are beneficial in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where airway constriction is a primary issue. However, in the case of an untreated pneumothorax, which involves the accumulation of air in the pleural space, applying further pressure through respiratory interventions can exacerbate the situation.

Administering bronchodilators can worsen the underlying problem of pneumothorax as it can increase air entry into the pleural space, potentially leading to a tension pneumothorax — a life-threatening condition. Therefore, while bronchodilators are generally helpful for airway constriction, they can have harmful effects when a pneumothorax is present and not treated.

Other conditions like fractured ribs, pulmonary edema, and obstructive lung disease can still involve the use of bronchodilators as part of managing symptoms or improving breathing, albeit with caution and depending on the individual clinical scenario.