Asthma Exacerbation- Monitoring

Question 1

Asthma exacerbation monitoring: things to watch for asthma control

Answer 1

PEF, FEV, O2 sat (AND amount of oxygen required), clinical symptoms, HR

Question 2

Asthma exacerbation monitoring: things to watch for PE

Answer 2

+/- wheezing, accessory muscle use, cyanosis

Question 3

Clinical pearl about PE monitoring for asthma exacerbation

Answer 3

Monitor PEF/FEV/HR/O2 sat every shift (~TID), PE QD

This may be more often depending on the severity and where in the hospital the patient is located

Question 4

Asthma exacerbation monitoring: what to look for in medication efficacy/toxicity

Answer 4

Control of asthma

Question 5

Asthma exacerbation monitoring: steroids

Answer 5

WBC (will be elevated), glucose (monitor QD, will be elevated), consider short-acting insulin if needed

Question 6

Asthma exacerbation monitoring: bronchodilators

Answer 6

HR (overuse will increase HR), frequency of use (ATC vs. PRN)