Asthma FINAL

Question 1

Intermittent and reversible airflow obstruction. Affects airways only, not alveoli. Inflammation and bronchconstriction.

Answer 1

asthma

Question 2

What triggers asthma symptoms?

Answer 2

allergens, cold air, dry air, airborne particles, ASA/NSAIDs, exercise, and food w/ MSG

Question 3

Asthma symptoms

Answer 3

-audible wheeze, increased respiratory rate, SOB
-Increased cough
-Use of accessory muscles
-Barrel chest
-Long breathing cycle
-Cyanosis
-Hypoxemia
-CO2 retention
-Increased mucus

Question 4

Emergent, life threatening situation for pts with asthma. Symptoms do not respond to usual treatment in 30 minutes.

Answer 4

Status asthmaticus

Question 5

Asthma risk factors

Answer 5

genetic, environmental

Question 6

Diagnostics for asthma

Answer 6

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
Forced vital capacity (FVC)
Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1)
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)

Question 7

Asthma meds

Answer 7

Bronchodilators: Short-Acting Beta2 Agonists (SABA) & Long-Acting Beta2 Agonists (LABA), Cholinergic Antagonists, Anti-inflammatories, Corticosteroids, Cromone, and Leukotriene Modifier

Question 8

Cause bronchodilation through relaxing bronchiolar smooth muscle by binding to and activating pulmonary beta2 receptors

Answer 8

bronchodilators- SABA and LABA

Question 9

Bronchodilator that primary use is a fast-acting reliever (RESCUE) drug to be used either during an asthma attack or just before engaging in activity that triggers an attack

Answer 9

Short-Acting Beta2 Agonist (SABA)

Ex: albuterol and levalbuterol

Question 10

Albuterol pt teaching

Answer 10

Carry drug with them at all times because it can stop or reduce life-threatening bronchoconstriction

Question 11

Levalbuterol pt teaching

Answer 11

-Monitor heart rate because excessive use causes tachycardia
-Teach pt technique for using the MDI or DPI

Question 12

Bronchodilator that causes bronchodilation through relaxing bronchiolar smooth muscle by binding to and activating pulmonary beta2 receptors. Onset of action is slow with long duration. Primary use is PREVENTION of an asthma attack.

Answer 12

Long-Acting Beta2 Agonist (LABA)

Ex: Salmeterol

Question 13

Salmeterol pt teaching

Answer 13

Do not use as a reliever drug

Question 14

Spacers are helpful for what pts?

Answer 14

children, confused, elderly, and disabled pts

Question 15

Causes bronchodilation by inhibiting the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the sympathetic system to dominate, releasing norepinephrine that activates beta2 receptors. The purpose is to both relieve & prevent asthma and improve gas exchange.

Answer 15

Cholinergic Antagonists

Ex: ipratropium and tiotropium

Question 16

Tiotropium pt teaching

Answer 16

Increase daily fluid intake because the drugs cause mouth dryness

Question 17

Disrupt production pathways of inflammatory mediators. The main purpose is to prevent an asthma attack caused by inflammation or allergies (controller drug).

Answer 17

Corticosteroids

Ex: Fluticasone, Beclomethasone, Budesonide, and Prednisone

Question 18

Fluticasone, Beclomethasone, & Budesonide (MDI inhaled drug) pt teaching

Answer 18

Drug daily even when no symptoms are present, good oral care & check for lesions

Question 19

Prednisone pt teaching

Answer 19

Increases risk of infection, do not suddenly stop the drug for any reason

Question 20

Blocks the leukotriene receptor, preventing the inflammatory mediator from stimulating inflammation. Purpose is to prevent asthma attack triggered by inflammation or allergens.

Answer 20

Leukotriene Modifier

Question 21

How to use a Peak Flow Meter

Answer 21

-Set the peak flow meter at zero
-Use a standing position, w/o support or leaning on anything
-Take a deep breath
-Wrap lips tightly around mouthpiece
-Blow your breath out as hard and fast as possible
-Reset and perform two additional times
-The highest reading of the three is the current peak flow rate
-Keep a record

If a red zone occurs when using the peak flow meter, immediately use reliever drugs and seek emergency help