NUR 330 Exam 7
- What is asthma?
Answer chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes hyper- responsiveness, mucosal edema, and mucous production
- Asthma is largely reversible
Answer spontaneously or with treatment
- the strongest predisposing factor of asthma
Answer Allergies
- early phase response in asthma
Answer Vascular congestion Edema formation
Production of thick, tenacious mucus Bronchial muscle spasm Thickening of airway walls
- late phase response in asthma
Answer -Occurs within 4 to 10 hours after initial attack
-Can be more severe than early phase and can last for 24 hours or longer -If airway inflammation is not treated or does not resolve, it may lead to irreversible lung damage
- Triggers for asthma
Answer 1 / 4
-Allergens
-Exercise -Air Pollutants -Occupational Factors -Respiratory Infection -Nose and Sinus Problems -Drugs and Food Additives -Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease -Emotional Stress
- clinical manifestations of asthma
- Why can't wheezing gauge severity of asthma?
Answer Recurrent episodes of coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness Can progress to respiratory alkalosis and respiratory acidosis
Answer no wheeze means no air is passing through and they are likely not breathing
- An acute attack of asthma reveals what?
Answer signs of hypoxemia (restlessness, increase in anxiety, inappropriate behavior, high pulse, high blood pressure)
- severe acute asthma attack
- Life threatening asthma attack
Answer æRespiratory rate >30/min æPulse >120/min æUsually seen in ED or hospitalized
Answer -Too dyspneic to speak 2 / 4
-Require hospital care and often admitted to ICU
- Diagnostic tests for asthma
Answer -Detailed history and physical exam
-Pulmonary function tests -Peak flow monitoring -Chest x-ray -ABGs
-Oximetry -Allergy testing -Blood levels of eosinophils -Sputum culture and sensitivity
- Mild intermittent and mild persistent asthma
Answer Avoid triggers of acute attacks and Premedicate before exercising.
- Acute asthma episode
Answer Respiratory distress and treatment depends upon severity and response to therapy.
- Severe exacerbations
Answer æMost therapeutic measures same as for acute episode. ‘ in frequency and dose of bronchodilators
æIV corticosteroids are administered every 4 to 6 hours, then are given orally. æContinuous monitoring of patient is critical.æIV magnesium sulfate is given as a bronchodilator.æSupplemental O2 is given by mask or nasal cannula for 90% O2 saturation. æIV fluids are given because of insensible loss of fluids.
- Quick relief medications for asthma 3 / 4
SUBSCRIBE
Answer -beta2-adrenergic agonists
-anticholinergics, systemic corticosteroids
- Long acting medications for asthma
- Corticosteroids
Answer
- Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists
- Leukotriene modifiers
- Types of anti-inflammatory drugs
Answer -Corticosteroids (e.g., beclomethasone, budesonide)
-NSAIDs -Antihistamines -Leukotriene modifiers
- Why is inhalation the preferred route for asthma medication administra- tion?
Answer less risk of systemic side effects
- Why use a MDI with a spacer?
Answer improves inhalation of the drug
- Why is DPI (dry powered inhaler) used with older adults?
Answer Requires less coordination and ability of the hands to inhale
- Important patient teaching for asthma
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