American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Which condition should be considered in a young non-smoker with emphysema?

1. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

2. Chronic bronchitis

3. Cystic fibrosis

4. Interstitial lung disease

The correct answer is: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

For a young non-smoker diagnosed with emphysema, considering alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is particularly important. This is a genetic condition that affects the lungs and liver. Individuals with this deficiency have lower levels of a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin, which plays a critical role in protecting the lungs from damage caused by enzymes that can lead to tissue breakdown, including in conditions like emphysema. In non-smokers, the development of emphysema is less typical and raises suspicion for underlying genetic factors. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is one of the few causes of emphysema seen in younger individuals without a history of smoking. This condition can lead to early-onset emphysema, often presenting in individuals as young as their 30s or 40s. Testing for this deficiency can be important for diagnosis and management, which may include enzyme replacement therapy and other targeted treatments to improve lung function and quality of life. While chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and interstitial lung disease are considerations in respiratory conditions, they are less likely to specifically explain the development of emphysema in a young non-smoker compared to alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Chronic