Asthma Flashcards
T/F Asthma is considered reversible
True
How is asthma characterized
Inflammation, Hyperactivity
Define asthma
A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. It is intermittent, reversible, and an obstructive lung disease
Describe airway obstruction from an anatomical perspective, what happens?
Muscle spasms from smooth muscle in the bronchial tree.
What produces mucous in the lungs?
Goblet cells
What happens to the body when asthma is triggered?
Vasodilation
Bronchospasm
Edema
Mucous secretion
What is the cause of asthma?
Genetics and other triggers (common cold, GERD, extreme weather, food, emotions, etc.)
Risk factors for asthma
Age (older = incr risk)
Gender (women < men)
Genetics
Exposure (job, environment, infection)
Family Hx
Medical history (GERD, obesity, allergies, respiratory infections)
What tests do you use to diagnose Asthma?
Physical examination
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
Chest X-Ray (hyperinflation)
Serum Ig E – an allergic response
Symptoms of asthma occur or worsen at night or day?
Night
Early manifestations of Asthma
Cough, diminished breath sound
Late manifestation of Asthma
Decreased O2 sat, use of accessory muscles, cyanosis
What is airway remodeling?
The structural changes within the airways due to asthma.
What changes are seen in airway remodeling?
Smooth muscle hypertrophy
Thickening of the basement membranes; Sub-epithelial fibrosis (collagen thickening)
Loss of epithelial integrity; Epithelial damage
Increased mucous production
Angiogenesis
Destruction of ciliate cells
FEV1
Forced expiratory volume in 1 second
What do we want to know in patients who use short-acting Beta Agonists?
We want to know how often they’re using the medication
Peak expiratory flow
Max airflow expired during forced expiration
What are the GINA Guidelines?
Global strategy for asthma management
What is Salmeterol
Long Acting Beta Agonist
What is ICS
Inhaled corticosteroids -formoterol. This is the most effective anti-inflammatory medication.
Once a patient is diagnosed with asthma, how often should they be re-evaluated?
1 to 3 months after diagnosis, then every 3 to 12 months
You asthma patient just experienced a severe exacerbation, when should they follow up with their primary care provider?
1 week after the exacerbation
What should be included in an asthma action plan?
Prescribed medication.
When & how to increase medication.
When to access medical care if symptoms do not respond to tx.
What is the peak flow percentage for the Green Zone?
80 to 100% of the peak flow
Symptoms for the yellow zone of asthma exacerbation
Cough, wheezing, chest tightness, SOB, can do some but not all usual activities
T/F If you are experiencing a red zone level of exacerbation, you need to seek medical attention immediately
True
What tests does the nursing team need during an acute asthma exacerbation?
O2 monitoring and arterial blood gas
What medications are administered to tx asthma exacerbation?
IV corticosteroids
ipratropium bromide
Inhaled B2-agonist (albuterol)
IVF (intravenous fluids)
50% to 80% of the personal best peak flow meter is defined as what zone?
Yellow
below 50% of personal best “Danger” seek medical help, this is known as what zone?
Red zone
