asthma
what is asthma?
a chronic disease that occurs intermittently
inflammation and airway tissue sensitivity
which zone is usually 80-100% of the patients personal best in which paitent's remain on their medications?
green zone
what should a patient do when they find that they are using their asthma inhaler more frequently throughout the week?
contact health care provider, indicates current medication regimen in not adequately controlling their asthma. may need an everyday medication and avoid what's triggering the asthma
for which asthma medication would you expect that a patient may develop tremors, increased heart rate or nervousness?
albuterol (saba)
what should the nurse do first when a patient is admitted for an acute asthma attack?
assess breath sounds
which drugs trigger asthma?
beta blockers, aspirin, nsaids
what is the purpose of a spacer and who is it beneficial for?
ensures medications reaches the lungs- provides a more accurate dose
beneficial for children, elderly, or individuals with fine motor skills (arthritis, Parkinson's, tremors)
can a patient take salmetrol for an acute asthma attack.
no patient should take albuterol during acute attacks. salmetrol is a laba used for maintenance
what is the therapeutic level for theophylline levels?
10-15
what acid base imbalance occurs in the early stages of an asthma attack?
respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation, later on respiratory acidosis
what is it called when there is an acute episode of airway obstruction that often doesn't respond to common therapy?
Status asthmatics
which zone indicates caution. usually 50-80% of personal best?
yellow zone. medication they are on is not working or something is triggering their asthma
which finding is Most concerning in a patient with severe asthma exacerbation?
unable to speak or sweating profusely- about to pass out
what must you teach patient taking corticosteroids?
swish and spit- prevents yeast infections/thrush
what should you make sure to do if your patient has asthma and is scheduled for a pulmonary function test?
hold medications 6-12 hours before
within how long should patients take bronchodilators prior to exercise?
30 min prior to exercise
how do you use the peak flow meter? what are the steps?
reset the monitor, take a deep breath, blow out hard and fast, reset, repeat twice more, if you cough-repeat again
what is the purpose if keeping a symptom and intervention diary for asthma patients?
to help identify personal triggers and patterns of asthma attacks
what should the nurse monitor if the patient is taking corticosteroids?
monitor glucose
what is the treatment for status asthmaticus?
iv fluids, potent systemic bronchodilators, steroids, epinephrine, oxygen, prepare for emergency intubation
a patient diagnosed with asthma has a pulse of 130 Bpm, what does this indicate?
tachycardia. indicates hypoxemia (low oxygen in the blood)- body tries to compensate by heart rate beating faster in attempt to circulate oxygenated blood more rapidly throughout the body
in which zone would it be 50% or less of their personal best?
red zone. indicates a serious problem. go to the emergency. definite action must be taken with health care provider.
The nurse is reviewing the client’s ABG results. The pH is 7.50,PaCO2 is 25 mm, HCO3 is 25 mEq/L. What would the nurse expect to observe on assessment of this client?
respiratory alkalosis- Increased anxiety and hyperventilation
which medication is a bronchodilator that can cause seizures, vomiting, confusions, and tremors and what should they avoid?
theophylline. avoid caffeine
what should you do if patient with asthma develops bradycardia, low oxygen saturation and has a sudden absence/decrease in wheezing?
notify the health care provider. indicates complete airway obstruction- gonna require a tracheotomy