3: Asthma Flashcards
Amount of air exhaled in the 1st second of forced exhalation.
Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1)
Total volume of air exhaled during a forced expiratory effort.
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Adjusts for FVC.
FEV1/FVC Ratio
In the absence of an acute episode, what could be expected to be found on the PE in regards to lung sounds and AP diameter?
- Anteroposterior diameter is increased because of hyperinflation and there may be an abdominal breathing pattern.
- Lung Assessment:
- Prolongation of the expiratory phase
- Expiratory wheezing
- Coarse crackles
- Unequal breath sounds
- Child who is not sick:
- Forced exhalation may reveal expiratory wheeze
- Ask to blow hard or push on abdomen
A family hx of which 5 conditions could be indicators for asthma?
- Asthma
- Allergy
- Sinusitis, rhinitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Nasal polyps
What peak expiratory flow rate is the red zone, indicating major airflow obstruction?
<50% of personal best or predicted.
Name precipitating or aggravating factors for asthma.
- Viral infections
- Environmental allergens
- Irritants (e.g., smoke exposure, chemicals, vapors, dust)
- Exercise
- Emotions
- Home environment (e.g., carpets, pets, mold)
- Stress
- Drugs (e.g., aspirin, beta blockers)
- Foods
- Changes in weather
Pulmonary function tests are _____ in patients younger than 5 years old.
Pulmonary function tests are not reliable in patients younger than 5 years old.
T/F Spirometry or bronchoprovocation required for asthma diagnosis.
False. Helpful, but not required for diagnosis.
What 3 criteria must be met to diagnose asthma?
- Episodic symptoms of airflow obstruction are present.
- Airflow obstruction or symptoms are at least partially reversible.
- Alternative diagnoses are excluded.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Cough at night
- Cough during or after exercise
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Sputum production
What FEV1/FVC ratio indicates obstruction?
<80%
When would eosinophil counts and IgE levels be useful in the diagnosis of asthma?
When allergic factors are suspected.
What peak expiratory flow rate is the green zone, indicating good control?
80-100% of personal best or predicted.
T/F Chronic symptoms and signs of reversible bronchospasm are required for asthma diagnosis.
False. >3 episodes of reversible bronchospasm or chronic symptoms.
