Week 3, Class 1 (9/13) Flashcards
What causes Asthma?
Physical or chemical irritants
Common triggers of asthma
Foods, pollen, smoke, animal dander, temperature changes, respiratory infection, activity, stress
Most common symptom of asthma
Coughing in the absence of respiratory infection
Asthma assessment findings
Episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, nightly or early morning cough
Itching of the neck or upper back
Exacerbations
Exercise induced bronchospasm
Severe spasm or obstruction (inaudibly of breath sounds in crackles, ineffective coughs)
Status asthmatics treatment
Albuterol
IV Magnesium sulfate
Heliox
Corticosteroid
Management of acute asthma episodes
1st) administer quick relief medication‘s (albuterol)
2nd) Monitory respiratory status. Pulse oximeter readings in color. Watch for silent chest or decreased wheezing
Asthma medication types
Quick relief: tx Symptoms and exacerbations
Long-term: Maintain control of inflammation or achieve bronchodilation 
What is cystic fibrosis?
A chronic multi system genetic disorder characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction
Abnormally thick mucus production causing obstruction of small passageways of the affected organs
Most common deficiency with cystic fibrosis
Pancreatic enzyme deficiency. Results in increased sodium and chloride Sweat concentrations
Main diagnostic test for CF
Sweat chloride test
CF GI Assessment findings
Meconium ileus in newborn
Steatorrhea
Fat soluble vitamin deficiency results and bruising and anemia
Malnutrition and growth failure
At risk for rectal prolapse 
CF Integumentary assessment findings
High concentrations of sodium and chloride in sweat
Infant taste salty when kissed
What is a normal chloride concentration in sweat?
Less than 40 mEq/L
What is a positive result from the sweat chloride test?
Chloride concentration greater than 60 mEq/L
Most important interventions/treatment for CF
1)Chest physiotherapy
2) Postural drainage
performed every four hours
Why should you avoid giving cough suppressants to a child with CF?
They inhibit the expectoration of secretions
When do you give pancreatic enzymes to a patient with CF?
Before all meals and snacks. DO NOT GIVE IF NPO
Diet for CF
High protein, high calorie
Increase fat soluble vitamin intake
Infectious mononucleosis
Epstein-Barr virus. Transmitted through saliva
Infectious mononucleosis assessment findings
Fever, lethargy, sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Increased WBC
Hepatosplenomegaly
Atypical lymphocytes
Interventions for infectious mononucleosis
Standard precautions
Provide supportive care
Fluids
Frequent rest periods 
Pertussis transmission precautions 
Droplet precautions
Pertussis assessment findings
Runny nose, congestion, sneezing, mild fever, mild cough
Coughing fits
“Whooping” sounds upon inspiration
Pertussis interventions/prevention
DTaP, start giving at 2 months age.
Maternal Tdap in postpartum period
Antibiotics
Green peak flow meter zone
80-100%
Breathing is fine
No signs of an asthma attack
Yellow peak flow meter zone
50-80%
Breathing is hampered
Use rescue medication‘s
Recheck peak expiratory flow in 20 to 30 minutes
Read peak flow meter zone
Below 50%
Breathing is labored or faster than normal
Breathlessness is a problem
Use quick release medication or nebulizer immediately and call the doctor or 911
How to use a MDI with a spacer
1) Shake the medicine,
2) Insert the mouthpiece of the inhaler into the spacer,
3) Breathe all the air out of the lungs and make a tight seal around the spacer,
4) Press the inhaler down and breathe in slowly and deeply,
5) Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly
Mild persistent asthma management
Low-dose inhaled corticosteroid
Mild persistent asthma
> 2 nights per month of nighttime symptoms
Moderate persistent asthma
> 1 Night per week of nighttime symptoms
Daily attacks affecting activities
Moderate persistent asthma management
Low to medium dose inhaled corticosteroid plus a long acting beta agonist
Severe persistent asthma
Frequent nighttime symptoms
Continuous
Limited physical activity
Severe persistent asthma management
High dose inhaled corticosteroid plus long acting beta agonist,
Oral anti-inflammatory if needed,
Oral glucocorticoid as needed
