ASTHMA STATS
What is more likely to happen on course
ASTHMA or ANAPHYLAXIS?
ASTHMA
Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, respirtatory distress, prolonged or forced expiration, history of asthma
When would you use epinephrine for asthma?
(3 scenarios)
Respiratory Distress (1-2 word sentences between breaths)
When rescue inhaler fails to reduce symptoms of attack
If patient cannot effectively inhale the medication
True or False:
Anaphylaxis can trigger Asthma
TRUE!
ASTHMA can be defined into three reaction levels - what are they?
MILD, MODERATE, SEVERE
What does PROP stand for?
P: Position
R: Reassurance & Rest
O: Oxygen
P: Positive Pressure Ventilation
When the student is not responding to asthma treatment what are the next three moves?
1. PROP
2. EPI
3. Immediately administer albuterol HFA (spacer) 6-10 puffs
TRUE or FALSE:
Epi can be used to treat acute stress response
FALSE!
What are three things that can worsen asthma?
New environments, stress and exercise
What is the difference between a rescue inhaler and a steroid inhaler?
A rescue inhaler provides short-term relief by quickly opening up the airways -- taken with symptoms
Steroid inhalers are long-acting medicine to be taken daily to reduce underlying airway swelling and prevent attacks -- taken without symptoms
.3-.5 IM (same as anaphylaxis)
TRUE OR FALSE:
Epi is a treatment medication for Asthma
FALSE! Epi helps the steroids open bronchial tubes, but Epi itself does not treat asthma
What are the first three steps you should do when someone is experiencing mild or moderate asthma?
1. Make sure they are using their inhaler correctly
2. Call-in early!!! If a student is having difficulty managing asthma or symptoms are progressing.
3. Use a spacer to try to improve efficacy
What is the patient process for effectively using a rescue inhaler?
Patient Process:
Exhale
Inhale when inhaler is discharged into mouth and deeply as possibly
Hold breath for several seconds
Use a spacer, as it improves efficacy
Continue to administer 3 x over the next hour
Give prednisone or dexamethasone as prescribed
TRUE or FALSE:
Epi is a safe medication - when in doubt of severe respiratory distress it is safe to adminster
TRUE - always will require evacuation and follow up
What is the best prevention for asthma?
Proactive TREATMENT!! Knowing triggers, keeping student calm and not stressed, knowing and using student's ASTHMA action plan and history.
How does a spacer increase the efficacy of a rescue inhaler?
It increases the percentage of aerosolized steroids that reach the lower airway to decrease inflammation and calm bronchial spasms
If someone experiences respiratory distress that leads to the use of epinephrine - what do you communicate to the base?
RED CALL - immediate evacuation
TRUE or FALSE:
Severe Asthma can cause hives, swilling, vomiting or diarrhea
FALSE! Those are distinct features of anaphylaxis and not respiratory distress