Key concepts & Pathophysiology
This chronic disease of the lower respiratory tract is marked by airway inflammation, swelling, mucus buildup, and bronchospasm.
What is asthma?
This whistling sound is heard as air moves through narrowed airways
What is wheezing?
Albuterol belongs to this drug class, also known as "rescue inhalers."
What are short-acting beta₂ agonists (SABAs)?
The nurse assesses the rate, depth, and rhythm of this vital function first.
What is respiration (breathing)?
This is a severe, rapid-onset asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatment.
What is status asthmaticus?
This term describes the sudden tightening of the smooth muscle around the airways, which narrows them and makes breathing hard.
What is bronchospasm?
This term means shortness of breath, a common symptom of an asthma attack.
What is dyspnea?
After using an inhaled corticosteroid, clients should do this to prevent oral thrush (candida).
What is rinse the mouth and gargle?
These adventitious sounds — crackles, rhonchi, and wheezes — may signal a worsening condition.
What are abnormal (adventitious) lung sounds?
Clients in distress often sit in this position to help open their airway.
What is leaning forward (sitting upright)?
This permanent change to the airway wall is caused by long-term inflammation and does NOT reverse with treatment.
What is airway remodeling?
When breathing becomes difficult, clients often rely on these to help them breathe.
What are accessory muscles?
This methylxanthine has a narrow therapeutic range and should only be used when other treatments fail.
What is theophylline?
his finding during an asthma attack is life-threatening because air cannot move in or out of the lungs.
What are absent lung sounds?
This finding occurs when systolic BP drops more than 10 mmHg as the client takes a deep breath.
What is pulsus paradoxus?
These two things, along with bronchospasm, work together to narrow and clog the airway during an asthma process.
What are inflammation (mucosal edema) and excess thick mucus?
This bluish color change shows up in the buccal mucosa, lips, and nail beds during severe oxygen deprivation.
What is cyanosis?
When a client uses both a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid, this medication should always be given first
What is the bronchodilator (albuterol)?
Increased BP, RR, and HR together could point to these two dangerous conditions
What are hypoxia and hypercapnia?
A peak expiratory flow rate below this percentage of the client's personal best indicates status asthmaticus.
What is less than 50%?
During remodeling, the smooth muscle cells grow larger and increase in number — name both of these processes.
What are hypertrophy and hyperplasia?
Compared to younger clients, dyspnea is more common in this age group, who are also more susceptible to infections and drug reactions.
What are older (aging) adults?
This mast cell inhibitor prevents bronchospasm but is NOT effective for treating an acute attack.
What is cromolyn?
These three primary therapies are used to treat asthma and prevent airway narrowing
What are oxygen, short-acting beta₂ agonists, and systemic corticosteroids?
If the client does not respond to treatment, this form of life support may be needed.
What is a ventilator (mechanical ventilation)?