Asthma Flashcards
Asthma is…
a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways.
Asthma is the primary leading cause of hospitalization for children und the age of…?
15
With asthma, there are chronic and acute episodes. What do each of those look like (for chronic, think about what asthma is; for acute, think hospitalization)?
Acute episodes include swelling of the airways and possible mucous production. Bronchospasms are possible- narrowing of the airways.
With asthma, there are chronic and acute episodes. What do each of those look like (for chronic, think about what asthma is; for acute, think hospitalization)?
Acute episodes include swelling of the airways and possible mucous production. Bronchospasms are possible- narrowing of the airways.
STATUS ASTHMATICUS is a medical emergency. Interventions for a pt with status asthmaticus include correcting acid/base balance (likely experiencing respiratory acidosis due to rapid breathing and expelling all available O2, overwhelming body with CO2), hydration, and maintaining sats above 90%.
s/s of bronchospams include…
-episodes of progressively worsening SOB, cough, wheeze, chest tightness
-decreased expiratory airflow
-increased force through airway on expiration due to narrowing
-**older patients may complain of abdominal pain
-tripod position
-anxiousness/restlessness
-infants may show retractions
Diagnostic tools for asthma include…
-PFTs (pulmonary function tests)
-PERF (peak expiratory flow rate)
Inhaled corticosteroids, cromolyn sodium, long acting B-antagonists, leukotrienes modifiers… all examples of asthma medications for long term or short term therapy?
Long term
Anticholinergics, systemic corticosteroids, short-acting B-antagonists, B-adrenergic agents, albulterol, terbutaline, atropine, and ipratropium are examples of asthma medications for long term or short term therapy?
Short term
