Asthma - chronic condition

Question 1

define asthma

Answer 1

-Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, asthma is a common chronic condition
-narrowing of the bronchial airway which changes in severity over short periods of time
-life-threatening condition
- asthma can be acute episodes or attacks

Question 2

what happens biologically during an asthmatic attack?

Answer 2

• inflammation/swelling in the bronchial tube
  -tightened smooth muscles (bronchospasm)
  -thick mucus production over secretion
  -constricted airway diameter decreases (narrowing)

Question 3

what are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

Answer 3

-wheezing
-coughing, especially at night
-shortness of breath
- tightness in the chest
-breathlessness

Question 4

What are the risk factors for acute asthma attacks?

Answer 4

-viral infections flu or colds
-allergies to pets, house dust, pollen
-exercise
-emotional stress
-irritants such as tobacco smoke or air pollution
-changes in weather

Question 5

is there a cure for asthma?

Answer 5

no, but medications can control the condition

Question 6

what is a nebuliser?

Answer 6

device that can deliver dosages of medicine quickly and easily
- works by changing the liquid form of the medicine to a fine mist which is inhaled by a mouthpiece or mask

Question 7

what does it mean to auscultate the chest?

Answer 7

-listening to the internal sounds of the body using a stethoscope
-examining the respiratory system listening to the breath sounds

Question 8

what are the steps for lung auscultation from the back?

Answer 8

-Place hand on patient’s shoulder if they are standing
-ask the patient to inhale and exhale deeply through an open mouth

Question 9

what are the steps for lung auscultation from the sides?

Answer 9

listen to the lungs at the sites percussed on both sides of the thorax
ask the patient to inhale and exhale deeply through an open mouth
this is the auscultation of the posterior thorax