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93210 Foundations of Nursing Practice 2B > Asthma > Flashcards

Asthma Flashcards

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1
Q

Is asthma chronic or acute?

A

Chronic

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2
Q

Why is breathing difficult in asthma?

A

Because the airways in the lungs become inflamed (swollen) thus making it narrow.

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3
Q

True or false: Asthma is curable.

A

False - Asthma can be controlled/managed.

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4
Q

How can asthma be managed?

A

By avoiding triggers, through medication, and following a treatment plan.

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5
Q

True or false: Once people develop asthma, they’re likely to have it for life.

A

True - Even if they don’t have any symptoms or feel fine - asthma is still there and can flare up at any time.

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6
Q

What is a key feature of asthma?

A

Chronic airway hyperresponsiveness.

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7
Q

What is chronic airway hyperresponsiveness?

A

A condition where the airways in the lungs are overly sensitive and react strongly to various stimuli. The airways can constrict/narrow more easily and more intensely than in those without the condition, leading to asthmatic symptoms.

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8
Q

Label the missing parts.

A
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9
Q

Define ‘atopic’.

A

Sensitivity to allergens.

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10
Q

Symptoms of asthma are different for everyone but most people who have asthma have one or more of these symptoms?

A
  • Coughing – often worse at night
  • Wheezing – whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe
  • Chest tightness – feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest
  • Shortness of breath – feels like can’t get enough air out of their lungs.
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11
Q

In asthma, the symptoms often follow a pattern. What are they?

A
  • They come and go over time or within the same day.
  • They start or get worse with viral infections, such as a cold.
  • They are triggered by exercise, allergies, cold air, or breathing too fast from laughing or crying.
  • They are worse at night or in the morning.
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12
Q

What are 3 ways asthma affect the airways?

A
  1. Airways are swollen and doesn’t leave enough room for air to move through.
  2. Bronchospasm occurs.
  3. Glands in the airways produce thick mucus, which further blocks the airways.
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13
Q

What happens if asthma is not properly managed?

A

Repeated exposure to asthma triggers will exacerbate the inflammation, leading to worsening symptoms

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14
Q

When does usually asthma start?

A

During childhood when the body’s defense system is still taking shape.

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15
Q

What is adult-onset asthma?

A

Asthma that develops in adulthood.

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16
Q

What is the exact cause of asthma?

A

Exact causes are unknown and may be different from person to person.

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17
Q

Many factors may work together to cause people to develop asthma. These are?

A
  • Things in the environment (called allergens)
  • Viral infections
  • Family history
  • Allergies
  • Obesity
  • Race or ethnicity
  • Sex
  • Occupational hazards
  • Climate change
    (See notes for more detail on each of these).
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18
Q

Define ‘asthma triggers’.

A

Things that set off or make asthma symptoms worse.

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19
Q

Name some asthma triggers.

A
  • Indoor allergens
  • Outdoor allergens
  • Emotional stress
  • Physical activity
  • Infections
  • Certain medicines
  • Poor air quality or very cold air
    (See notes for more detail on each of these).
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20
Q

How are the types of asthma classified?

A

Classified into various types based on their causes or triggers.

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21
Q

Name 6 types of asthma.

A

1) Allergic Asthma
2) Eosinophilic Asthma
3) Exercise-Induced Asthma
4) Cough Variant Asthma
5) Nighttime (Nocturnal) Asthma
6) Occupational (Work-Related) Asthma
(See notes for more detail on each of these).

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22
Q

How is asthma diagnosed?

A

There is no single test for asthma. Doctors make the diagnosis of asthma when a person has breathing symptoms typical of asthma that come and go.

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23
Q

What are 2 tests that test lung function and breathing?

A

1) Peak flow measurements
2) Spirometry

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24
Q

The following is what level (classification) of asthma?

  • Symptoms occur less than twice a week, and nighttime symptoms occur less than two times per month.
  • Lung function tests are 80% or more above predicted values. Predictions are often made based on age, sex, and height.
  • No medications are needed for long-term control.
A

Mild Intermittent Asthma.

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25
Q

The following is what level (classification) of asthma?

  • Symptoms occur three to six times per week.
  • Lung function tests are 80% or more above predicted values.
  • Nighttime symptoms occur three to four times a month.
A

Mild Persistent Asthma.

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26
Q

The following is what level (classification) of asthma?

  • Symptoms occur daily.
  • Nocturnal symptoms occur 5 or more times per month.
  • Asthma symptoms affect activity, occur more than two times per week, and may last for days.
  • There is a reduction in lung function, with a lung function test range above 60% but below 80% of normal values.
A

Moderate Persistent Asthma.

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27
Q

The following is what level (classification) of asthma?

  • Symptoms occur continuously, with frequent nighttime asthma.
  • Activities are limited.
  • Lung function is decreased to less than 60% of predicted values.
A

Severe Persistent Asthma.

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28
Q

What is childhood asthma?

A

Childhood asthma is the same lung disease that adults get, but kids often have different symptoms.

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29
Q

What is another name for childhood asthma?

A

Pediatric asthma.

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30
Q

Define constrict.

A

Make something narrower or tighter by squeezing or compressing it.

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31
Q

Name 5 signs and symptoms of childhood asthma.

A

1) Shortness of breath.
2) Rapid breathing.
3) A cough that gets worse after a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu.
4) Wheezing, a whistling sound when breathing in or out.
5) Seesaw motions in their chest (retractions).

(more signs and symptoms in notes)

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32
Q

Name 5 risk factors for childhood asthma.

A

1) Genetic risk factors
2) Environmental risk factors
3) Natal risk factors
4) Gender - boys are more likely than girls
5) Medication exposure

(more detailed information in notes)

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33
Q

When can adult-onset asthma begin?

A

Asthma that begins any time after the age of 20.

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34
Q

Who is more likely to get adult-onset asthma?

A
  • Women with hormonal changes (pregnant or experiencing menopause).
  • Those exposed to environmental irritants.
  • People with allergies, especially to cats.
  • People who have GERD.
  • People who are exposed to environmental irritants.

(more detailed information in notes)

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35
Q

What are 5 signs and symptoms of adult-onset asthma?

A

1) Wheezing
2) Coughing
3) Chest pain
4) Increased mucus secretion in the airways
5) Delayed recovery from a respiratory infection, such as the flu or a cold

(more signs and symptoms in notes)

36
Q

Name 6 risk factors for adult-onset asthma.

A

1) Obesity
2) Upper airway diseases
3) Genetic predisposition
4) Environmental and occupational factors
5) Hormonal influences
6) Female sex hormones

(more detailed information in notes)

37
Q

True or false: Adult-onset asthma is more common in women (prevalence).

A

True - This is because of the female sex hormones. Hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can influence asthma onset.

38
Q

True or false: Childhood asthma is more prevalent in girls.

A

False - Childhood asthma is more prevalent in boys.

39
Q

Fill in the missing words:

Common triggers for adult-onset asthma include _____________ and _____________, while childhood-onset asthma is often triggered by _____________ and _____________.

A

Common triggers for adult-onset asthma include ________ and _________,
[workplace exposures/hormonal changes/indoor allergens/outdoor allergens/irritants/respiratory viruses/exercise/stress/cold air or sudden changes in temperature/strong smells/strong emotions/humidity]
while childhood-onset asthma is often triggered by _____________ and _____________.
[inhaling pollen/strong emotions/other respiratory infection/allergens/viral infections/exercise/tobacco smoke exposure]

40
Q

Fill in the missing words:

In adults, asthma symptoms such as _____________ and _____________ are less likely to be associated with allergies compared to children, whose symptoms are often linked to _____________.

A

In adults, asthma symptoms such as coughing and wheezing are less likely to be associated with allergies compared to children, whose symptoms are often linked to allergies.

41
Q

Fill in the missing words:

Adult-onset asthma is often more _____________ and _____________, whereas childhood-onset asthma can sometimes _____________ or _____________ during adolescence.

A

Adult-onset asthma is often more persistent and severe, whereas childhood-onset asthma can sometimes improve or resolve during adolescence.

42
Q

Fill in the missing words:

Adult-onset asthma is frequently associated with conditions such as _____________ and _____________, while childhood-onset asthma is often linked with other atopic conditions like _____________ and _____________.

A

Adult-onset asthma is frequently associated with conditions such as obesity and chronic rhinosinusitis, while childhood-onset asthma is often linked with other atopic conditions like eczema and allergic rhinitis.

43
Q

How many people in Australia were estimated to be living with asthma according to the 2022 ABS?

a) 2.8 million
b) 5.8 million
c) 3.2 million
d) 1.9 million

A

a) 2.8 million

44
Q

High pollen levels combined with a thunderstorm, that triggers asthma symptoms is known as?

A

Thunderstorm asthma.

45
Q

True or false: Thunderstorm asthma is very common and happens frequently in the springtime.

A

False - Thunderstorm asthma is rare and requires specific weather conditions. Only a few thunderstorms that occur during times of high pollen levels have a significant health impact.

46
Q

What are the symptoms associated with thunderstorm asthma?

A
  • Wheeze
  • Chest tightness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Cough
47
Q

How is thunderstorm asthma caused?

A

Believed to be caused by tiny pollen fragments released when thunderstorms cause pollen grains to burst. These fragments can be concentrated at ground level and inhaled, triggering asthma symptoms.

48
Q

Who is at risk of thunderstorm asthma?

A
  • Individuals with asthma
  • Individuals with undiagnosed asthma
  • Individuals with hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
  • Individuals who experience wheezing and sneezing during spring
49
Q

What months are people most at risk of thunderstorm asthma in NSW?

A

October to November (spring months). Being outside when pollen levels are high and thunderstorms are in the area increases the risk of exposure, potentially leading to thunderstorm asthma.

50
Q

What are the 4 steps to asthma first aid?

A

1) Sit the person upright (high fowler’s position)

2) Give 4 seperate puffs of blue/grey reliever puffer

3) Wait 4 minutes

4) Dial 000 if there is no improvement

(More detail in notes and if you search up ‘4 Steps to Asthma First Aid NSW Health Poster’)

51
Q

Explain what this device is and what it does?

A

The purple is a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and the blue is a spacer.

Inhaler = A small, handheld device that delivers medication directly to your lungs. There are different types of inhalers.

Spacer = Also called a holding chamber, makes using an inhaler easier and more effective. It helps deliver medication to the airways rather than the mouth and throat, making it more effective with less side effects.

52
Q

What is the single, ‘gold standard’ test for asthma?

A

There is no single one test. A combination of assessments is used to confirm the condition. The diagnosis is based on a detailed medical history and physical examination, focusing on the chest and airways.

53
Q

What does ‘pulmonary’ mean?

A

Relating to, affecting, or occurring in the lungs.

54
Q

What is a lung function test?

A

Measures how well a patient can inhale and exhale air from their lungs. These tests are often conducted before and after the administration of a bronchodilator. If there is significant improvement in lung function after using a bronchodilator, it is indicative of asthma.

55
Q

What are 6 common lung function tests used to assess airways?

A

1) Spirometry
2) Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) Tests
3) Bronchodilator Responsiveness Tests
4) FeNO Test (Exhaled Nitric Oxide)
5) Bronchial Provocation or “Trigger” Tests
6) Challenge Tests

(more information in notes)

56
Q

Name 2 diagnostic tests that have nothing to do with the lungs that can help diagnose asthma?

A

1) Allergy tests
2) Blood tests

57
Q

Why is it difficult to diagnose asthma in children under 5 years old?

A
  • Wheezing and cough are common in children, particularly under 3 years – ‘small airway syndrome’.
  • Many children who respond to bronchodilator treatment do not go on to develop asthma.
58
Q

True or false: Asthma is curable and medication is not needed.

A

False - Asthma is not curable and can only be managed with medication to help control symptoms.

59
Q

What are the 3 categories of asthma medications?

A

1) Preventers
2) Relievers
3) Add-ons

60
Q

Name the type of asthma medication:

This is used daily to help maintain symptom-free periods. They include inhaled corticosteroids.

A

Preventers.

61
Q

Name the type of asthma medication:

These medications address symptoms triggered by asthma. they include short-acting bronchodilators.

A

Relievers.

62
Q

Name the type of asthma medication:

These help manage persistent asthma symptoms or severe asthma. They include long-acting bronchodilators, oral corticosteroids, and monoclonal antibodies.

A

Add-ons.

63
Q

Define bronchodilator.

A

Bronchodilators are a type of medication that make breathing easier by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways (bronchi). They’re often used to treat long-term conditions where the airways may become narrow and inflamed, such as asthma and COPD.

64
Q

This bronchodilator is used as quick relief from sudden, unexpected attacks of breathlessness.

A

Short-acting bronchodilator.

65
Q

This bronchodilator is used regularly to help control breathlessness in asthma and COPD, and increase the effectiveness of corticosteroids in asthma.

A

Long-acting bronchodilator.

66
Q

What is the difference between a nebuliser and inhaler?

A
  • Nebulisers are larger and not portable like inhalers.
  • Nebuliser require battery or to be plugged in to use, inhalers do not.
  • Nebulisers take at least 5 or 10 minutes to deliver the dose of medicine.
67
Q

True or false: Inhalers are only used for asthma and COPD.

A

False - The act of inhaling medication is a medication route and can be used for other respiratory conditions, as well as other conditions such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, etc.

68
Q

What type of inhaler is this and what does it do?

A

Metered-dose inhaler (MDI) - Release dose of medication when canister is pressed.

69
Q

What type of inhaler is this and what does it do?

A

Dry powder inhaler (DPI) - Delivers powder medication when you inhale.

70
Q

What type of inhaler is this and what does it do?

A

Soft mist - Sprays dose of medication when you press on it.

71
Q

What medications are used in inhalers?

A
  • Bronchodilators: short-acting or long-acting
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
  • Combination: Of both bronchodilators (short or long) with ICS.
72
Q

Name step-by-step on how to use an inhaler.

A

1) Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright
2) Shake the inhaler
3) Tilt your chin up slightly and breathe out gently
4) Holding the inhaler upright, insert the mouthpiece into your mouth and create a seal with your lips
5) Start to breathe in through your mouth, then fire one puff of medication and continue to breathe in steadily and deeply
6) Remove the puffer from the mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds
7) Breathe out, and replace puffer cover
8) To take more medication, repeat these steps.

73
Q

What signs and symptoms are we looking for as nurses in relation to asthma?

A
  • Chest discomfort
  • Dyspnea
  • Chest tightness
  • Cough
  • Blue lips and fingers
  • Tachypnoea, tachycardia
  • Tripod position
  • Wheezing.
74
Q

Name some nursing management actions for asthma.

A
  • Position the patient upright (high fowlers)
  • Check oxygen status - Administer oxygen via nasal prongs
  • Listen to lungs
  • Assess for respiratory distress
  • Administer medications as prescribed
75
Q

If your patient has asthma, when should you seek help?

A
  • Respiratory distress
  • No air entry in lungs during auscultation (feel)
  • Low oxygen saturation
  • Patient cyanotic (Cyanosis = When your skin, lips or nails turn blue due to a lack of oxygen in your blood).
76
Q

What is the primary purpose of using a spacer with an inhaler?

a) To filter the medication
b) To make the inhaler easier to use
c) To ensure more medication reaches the lungs
d) To reduce the taste of the medication

A

c) To ensure more medication reaches the lungs

77
Q

Which of the following is a common symptom of asthma?

a) Chest pain
b) Itchy skin
c) Shortness of breath
d) Headaches

A

c) Shortness of breath

78
Q

Which medication is typically used as a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack?

a) Inhaled corticosteroids
b) Long-acting bronchodilators
c) Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)
d) Antihistamines

A

c) Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)

79
Q

How often should a peak expiratory flow (PEF) test be performed to monitor asthma?

a) Once a year
b) Only during an asthma attack
c) Daily or as directed by a healthcare provider
d) Every time before using an inhaler

A

c) Daily or as directed by a healthcare provider

80
Q

Which of the following is a long-term control medication for asthma?

a) Inhaled corticosteroids
b) Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)
c) Antihistamines
d) Oral antibiotics

A

a) Inhaled corticosteroids

81
Q

What does the FeNO test measure in asthma patients?

a) Oxygen levels in the blood
b) Lung capacity
c) Nitric oxide levels in the exhaled breath
d) Airway sensitivity to allergens

A

c) Nitric oxide levels in the exhaled breath

82
Q

What should you do if your asthma symptoms worsen despite using your regular medication?

a) Wait and see if they improve
b) Use a rescue inhaler and seek medical advice
c) Stop using all medications immediately
d) Take a pain reliever

A

b) Use a rescue inhaler and seek medical advice

83
Q

What is the best way to prevent asthma attacks?

a) Avoiding all physical activity
b) Regular use of long-term control medications
c) Using a rescue inhaler daily
d) Taking antibiotics regularly

A

b) Regular use of long-term control medications

84
Q

Which of the following can trigger asthma symptoms?

a) Cold air
b) Physical exercise
c) Dust mites
d) All of the above

A

d) All of the above

85
Q

Which test is often used to diagnose asthma?

a) Chest X-ray
b) Spirometry
c) Blood test
d) ECG

A

b) Spirometry

93210 Foundations of Nursing Practice 2B (2 decks)

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