asthma

Question 1

asthma

Answer 1

Can be defined as a chronic inflammatory
disorder characterized by increased
responsiveness of the bronchi to various
innocuous stimuli, manifested by
widespread and variable airway narrowing
that varies in severity

Question 2

asthma signs

Answer 2

Patients have episodes of cough,
wheezing, chest tightness and or
dyspnoea, which are often worse at night
or early in the morning

Question 3

major characteristics of asthma

Answer 3

Narrowing of the airways
hypersecretion of mucus
recruitment of inflammatory cells
Non-specific airway hyper-responsiveness

Question 4

Narrowing of the airways

Answer 4

Narrowing of the airways and impeded
airflow, commonly reversible
spontaneously or following treatment

Question 5

hypersecretion of mucus

Answer 5

hypersecretion of mucus, which
can lead to blockage of airways with mucus
plugscan limit airflow

Question 6

recruitment of inflammatory cells

Answer 6

(eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, T

lymphocytes) to the airways

Question 7

Non-specific airway hyper-responsiveness

Answer 7

to a range of normally innocuous stimuli

including cold, irritants and pollutants

Question 8

Asthma and allergies

Answer 8

are closely linked. Asthma is more common in families with

allergies or asthma, but not everyone with asthma has allergies.

Question 9

Classification of asthma

Answer 9

extrinsic

inric

Question 10

•Extrinsic

Answer 10

– identifiable external
cause. Commonly occurs as a result
of allergic response with
development of IgE antibodies to
specific antigens. Tends to start in
childhood.

Question 11

•Intrinsic

Answer 11

no external cause can be
identified. Generally appears in
adults.

Question 12

examples of extrinsic

Answer 12

excerise
pets
stress
anger
pollution
pollen
smoke 
dust

Question 13

Asthma: Diagnosis

Answer 13

Accurate patient history
Patient assessment
•Spirometry to assess for the
presence of airflow obstruction
•Serial peak expiratory flow

Question 14

DRUG THERAPY

Answer 14

Short acting b2 agonist (SABA)
Salbutamol
Long acting b2 agonist (LABA)
Salmeterol
Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)
Fluticasone
Mast cell stabilizers (cromone)
Sodium cromoglycate

Question 15

Nursing Management asthma

Answer 15

Assessment of respiratory function and detailed history (if patient not in
acute distress)
Care priorities
Education/patient teaching
• Asthma action plan
• Drug therapy and correct use of inhalers
• Peak flow meter

Question 16

Impact on ADL for those with chronic asthma

Answer 16

General health status –
Diet/activity restrictions
Loss of certainty, predictability for day to day events
Loss of independence and self care ability

Question 17

General health status

Answer 17

compromised energy levels due to difficulty breathing out and
poor oxygen absorption…. Affecting strength, ability to talk. (interaction socially with
peers potentially affected)

Question 18

Diet/activity restrictions

Answer 18

– certain foods can trigger acute episodes

Question 19

Loss of certainty, predictability for day to day events

Answer 19

acute attack can be triggered by

many things at any time… may affect ability to plan

Question 20

Loss of independence and self care ability –

Answer 20

maintenance of independence requires

more motivation as disease progresses… mental health.