Learn about the nursing care management of patients with asthma in this nursing study guide. Show
What is Asthma?Asthma affects people in their different stages in life, yet it can be avoided and treated.
PathophysiologyThe underlying pathophysiology in asthma is reversible and diffuse airway inflammation that leads to airway narrowing.
Statistics and EpidemiologyAsthma is considered the most common chronic disease of childhood and is a disruptive disease that affects school and work attendance.
CausesDespite increased knowledge on the pathology of asthma and the development of improved medications and management plans, the death rate from the disease continues to rise. Here are some of the factors that influence the development of asthma.
Clinical ManifestationsThe signs and symptoms of asthma can be easily identified, so once the following symptoms are observed, a visit to the physician is necessary.
PreventionPatients with recurrent asthma should undergo tests to identify the substances that precipitate the symptoms.
ComplicationsComplications for asthma include the following:
Assessment and Diagnostic FindingsTo determine the diagnosis of asthma, the clinician must determine that episodic symptoms of airway obstruction are present.
Medical ManagementImmediate intervention may be necessary, because continuing and progressive dyspnea leads to increased anxiety, aggravating the situation. Pharmacologic Therapy
Peak Flow MonitoringPeak Flow Meter. Image via: medlineplus.gov
Nursing ManagementThe immediate care of patients with asthma depends on the severity of the symptoms. Nursing AssessmentAssessment of a patient with asthma includes the following:
Nursing DiagnosisBased on the data gathered, the nursing diagnoses appropriate for the patient with asthma include:
Nursing Care Planning & GoalsMain Article: 5 Bronchial Asthma Nursing Care Plans To achieve success in the treatment of a patient with asthma, the following goals should be applied:
Nursing InterventionsThe nurse generally performs the following interventions:
EvaluationTo determine the effectiveness of the plan of care, evaluation must be performed. The following must be evaluated:
Discharge and Home Care GuidelinesA major challenge is to implement basic asthma management principles at the home and community level.
Documentation GuidelinesDocumentation is a necessary part of the nursing care provided, and the following data must be documented:
Practice Quiz: AsthmaLet’s reinforce what you’ve learned with this 5-item NCLEX practice quiz about Asthma. Please visit our nursing test bank for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. Histamine, a mediator that supports the inflammatory process in asthma, is secreted by: A. Eosinophils 2. Obstruction of the airway in the patient with asthma is caused by all of the following except: A. Thick mucus 3. A commonly prescribed mast cell stabilizer used for asthma is: A. Albuterol 4. There are several comorbid conditions that accompany asthma but it does not include: A. Gastroeasophageal reflux 5. The strongest predisposing factor for asthma is: A. Chronic exposure to airway irritants Answers and Rationale 1. Answer: C. Mast cells
2. Answer: C. Destruction of the alveolar wall
3. Answer: C. Cromolyn sodium
4. Answer: C. Hypertension
5. Answer: D. Allergy
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