University:
Herzing University
Course:
NSG 121 | Health Assessment
Academic year:

2019
Views:

52

Pages:

1
Author:

iPhothalihs

WHAT CAUSES THIS? Asthma typically has a genetic component to it's etiology Common allergens & triggers include: pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and weeds Additional triggers like exercise, stress, infection, NSAIDs, and exposure to extreme lemperatures can initiate an acute asthma exacerbation causing inflammatory response WHAT'S THE PRIORITY? ABC's of nursing-attend to impaired airway & breathing Assess and triage patients to determine severity of asthma attack or level of distress Immediately administer rescue drugs to patients in current distress bronchodilators to open up the airways IS TREATMENT EFFECTIVE? Treatment is effective when the patient is no longer in distress, and has decreased episodes of acute asthma exacerbations Treatment is effective when the patient can maintain an 02 saturation of <90% without assistive oxygen The patient will demonstrate proper use of medications & inhalers, and identifies known triggers of asthma CONDITION ASTHMA TREATMENTS? Avoiding known triggers : Short-acting beta-adrenergic agonists (SABAs) inhalers used as rescue relief Long-acting beta2-adrenergic antagonists (LABAS) - 1st line bronchodilators for management Anti-inflammatory medications - leukotriene modifiers, mast cell stabilizers Methylxanthines PO or IV WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE BODY? Persistent inflammation in the lungs and airways-inflammatory cells response results in bronchoconstriction, airway edema and impaired secretion churance in the bronchioles Trapped air mixes with inhaled air creating impaired gas exchange hypoxia, and increased work to breathe LEFT UNTREATED? If an acute asthma attack is left untreated it will result in complete airway obstruction and death by brain hypoxia Asthma can eventually lead to lung tissue scarring & decrease in lung surface area. Poorly controlled asthma can lead to pneumonia, COPD, emphysema, and bronchitis IS PATIENT TOLERATING? The patient is tolerating treatment when there are no observed or reported adverse effects of medications The patient has decreased signs and symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, panic, or coughing There are no adverse effects related to long term steroid USE The patient can appropriately self manage their condition & avoid known triggers