Asthma

Question 0

Pathology of asthma

Answer 0

Is persistent but variable inflammation of airways. Airflow is limited because inflammation results and bronco constriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and edema of the airway

Question 1

Define asthma

Answer 1

Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that results in recurrent episodes of airflow obstruction that is usually reversible

Question 2

Mechanism of action of asthma

Answer 2

Often exposure to a trigger, such as an allergen or irritant initiates the inflammatory cascade. Respiratory infections are also precipitating factors of an acute asthma attack. Asthma is not a psycho somatic disease

Question 3

Triggers of asthma

Answer 3

Genetics and ones immunoresponse, common allergens, exasperated after physical exertion called exercise-induced asthma, air pollutants, cigarette or woodsmoke, other exhausts, occupational asthma is after exposure to agents in the workplace. Often have a history of allergic rhinitis, GER D and certain drugs

Question 4

Clinical manifestations of asthma

Answer 4

Wheezing, cough, dyspnea, and chest tightness, particularly at night early in the morning. Expiration maybe prolonged. Usually reveals signs of hypoxemia

Question 5

Classification of asthma

Answer 5

Intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, or severe persistent, based upon current impairment of the patient and the risk for exacerbations

Question 6

Severe acute asthma

Answer 6

Can result in complications such as severe hypoxia, silent chest, and peak flow less than 25% of personal best

Question 7

Diagnosing asthma

Answer 7

Diagnosis is made based upon the presence of various indicators such as clinical manifestations, health history, pulmonary function test, and peak flow variability

Question 8

Goal of asthma treatment

Answer 8

Achieve and maintain control of the disease. Established guidelines give direction on the classification of severity of asthma at initial diagnosis and help determine which types of medications are best suited to controlled asthma symptoms

Question 9

StepWise approach to drug therapy of asthma

Answer 9

Based initially on the asthma severity and then on level control. Persistent asthma requires day long term controller therapy in addition to appropriate medications to manage acute symptoms. Even persons with intermittent asthma should always carry rescue medication

Question 10

Ossification of asthma medicines

Answer 10

Long-term control medications to achieve and maintain control of persistent asthma; quick release rescue medications to treat symptoms of exacerbation

Question 11

CorticoSteroids for asthma

Answer 11

Due to chronic inflammation steroids are more effective in improving as my control than any other long-term drug. ICS agents, such as Flovent and pulmicort, are first line therapy for patients

Question 12

Oral administered corticosteroids for asthma

Answer 12

Indicated for acute exacerbation; maintenance doses of oral corticosteroids may be necessary to control asthma and a minority of patients with severe chronic asthma

Question 13

Short acting inhaled beta-2 Adrenergic agonists

Answer 13

Includes albuterol; are most effective for relieving acute bronchospasm. Also used for acute exacerbations of asthma

Question 14

Long acting inhaled beta to Adrenergic agonist

Answer 14

Include Serevent and foradil, never used to be used as monotherapy due to increased risk of death. However they are quite safe when combined with ICS, such as advair or Symbicort

Question 15

Leukotriene modifiers and asthma

Answer 15

Can be used in milder asthma successfully as ad on therapy to reduce the dose of inhale corticosteroids

Question 16

Xolair for asthma

Answer 16

Anti-IGE drug; use for difficult to treat moderate to severe asthma unable to be controlled by inhaled corticosteroids

Question 17

Theophylline for asthma

Answer 17

Preparations are less effective long term control bronchodilators as compared with beta-2 and carry a high incidence of side effects

Question 18

Anti-cholinergic agents for asthma

Answer 18

Not using as much treatment except for Atrovent, which is only used in the ED for acute attacks

Question 19

Overall goals for asthma

Answer 19

Have as much control as evidenced by minimal symptoms during the day and night, acceptable activity levels, maintenance greater than 80% of personal best peak expiratory flow rate or forced expiratory volume in one second, no adverse effects of therapy, no recurrent exacerbations, adequate knowledge to participate in and carry out management

Question 20

Education factors and asthma

Answer 20

One of the major educational factors is correct administration of drugs; teaching should include information about medications, including the name, purpose, dosage, method of administration, schedule, side effects, appropriate action if side effects occur, properly using clean devices, and consequences of breathing if not taking medications as prescribed

Question 21

Types of inhalation devices for asthma

Answer 21

Metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and nebulizers

Question 22

Nonprescription combination drugs and asthma

Answer 22

Several nonprescription drugs are available over-the-counter; responsibility is informing about the dangers associated with drugs

Question 23

Goal for asthma care

Answer 23

Maximize the ability of patient to safely manage acute asthma episode Sophia and asthma action plan developed in conjunction with the healthcare provider. Important nursing goal during an acute asthma attack is to decrease the patient sense of panic