Pathophysiology
These are two common things that can trigger asthma symptoms.
Allergens, exercise, cold air, smoke, infections, or stress
This high-pitched sound is commonly heard when a person with asthma breathes
Wheezing
This heart rate change commonly occurs during an asthma attack
Tachycardia
This breathing position involves leaning forward to help breathe easier
Tripod position
Asthma is what type of disease affecting the airways?
Chronic inflammatory disorder
This symptom often feels like pressure or squeezing in the chest
Chest tightness
This mental symptom can occur because the patient feels unable to breathe
What is anxiety
What are three signs of asthma during a head to toe you would notice?
Increased respiratory rate, wheezing, hypercapnia
During an asthma attack this process occurs when the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchi tighten, making the airway narrower and harder for air to pass through
Bronchoconstriction
This color change may appear in severe asthma due to low oxygen levels
Cyanosis
What acid-base imbalance can occur in severe asthma
What is respiratory acidosis
This visible sign often seen on the chest shows increased work of breathing
Use of accessory muscles
How does asthma affect gas exchange at the alveolar lebel?
Air trapping and decreased oxygen exchange due to narrowed airways
This dangerous sign means very little air is moving through the lungs
Silent chest
How can prolonged asthma exacerbations affect the brain?
Decreased oxygen leads to confusion and altered LOC
This test measures how fast a person can exhale air
Peak flow