Asthma & RSV Flashcards
Oxygenation
What are three characteristics that describe asthma?
- Recurrent episodes
- Airway persistent state of inflammation
- Shortness of breath
What are the 5 triggers of asthma attacks?
airway irritants
seasonal allergies
mold
animal dander
food/drug allergies
What 3 things happen during an untreated asthma attack?
Limited expiration airflow (difficulty breathing out)
hypoxemia (low o2 levels in the blood)
hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
What is the key indicator with symptoms occuring at night in asthma?
worsening severity
What is one thing we are worried about when a patient is in tripod positioning in asthma?
fatigue
How many times is the peak expiratory flow rate used? Which reading would be used? How do you use the PEFR?
Performed 3 times & highest reading will be used.
deep breath and exhale as hard as they can
Name two key components of asthma pathophysiology
bronchoconstriction
airway edema
What is pulsus paradoxus?
decreased blood pressure with inhalation
Which medication is contraindicated in asthma patients?
beta blockers
What is the difference between SABA & LABA drugs?
Saba provides rapid relief for acute symptoms
LABA is for long-term control and not for acute events
What are the 3 side effects that occur with SABA drugs?
Tachycardia
Induced shaking
Flushing
When taking Corticosteroids & NSAIDs what is one action we tell patients they need to do after they take the medication? What does it help prevent?
rinse mouth after use
Prevents thrush
When taking leukotriene modifiers (montelukast) what 2 levels might increase if you are taking these meds as well?
theophylline
Warfarin
What is the therapeutic range of methylxanthines (theophylline)?
10-20
What are the 3 side effects of methylxanthine (theophylline) toxicity?
Seizures
Hypotension
Tachycardia
How is thrush described as?
fungal infection
What is status asthmaticus? What 3 symptoms are associated with this event? What might be required if this happens?
life-threatening airway obstruction
cyanosis, wheezing, & respiratory distress
intubation
How is RSV described?
highly contagious virus
What type of precautions does RSV have?
droplet
What is happening in RSV? Which part of the respiratory system is it affecting?
clogs the lower airway
What is the primary cause of RSV-related bronchiolitis?
inflammation & obstruction of bronchioles due to RSV infection
What are the 4 typical symptoms of RSV?
flu-like symptoms (runny nose, cough, fever, & thick secretions that can block the airway)
What are 2 risk factors seen in RSV?
Immunocompromised
Daycare
What is a diagnostic test used in RSV?
RT-PCR assay
What is one important nursing intervention we would like to see with babies per day pertaining to their output?
7-10 diapers per day
What are the 4 worsening symptoms of RSV?
rapid breathing
nasal flaring
sternal retractions
bluish lips/skin
What are 2 anti-inflammatory agent meds?
corticosteroids
mast cell stabilizers (cromolyn)
What is the peak flow range in the red zone? What should a patient do?
less than 50%
medical crisis (hospital)
What is the peak flow range in the yellow zone? What should the patient do?
50-79%
call or go to the doctor
What is a name of a leukotriene modifier?
montelukast
What are 3 things that leukotriene modifiers reduces?
Inflammation
Edema
Mucus production
What are the 3 medications that can reduce theophylline levels?
Barbiturates
Anticonvulsants
Antimycobacterials
Why are SABA drugs taken first before any other medication?
need to dilate the airway before anything can reach it
