Asthma

Question 1

T/F Asthma is considered reversible

Answer 1

True

Question 2

How is asthma characterized

Answer 2

Inflammation, Hyperactivity

Question 3

Define asthma

Answer 3

A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. It is intermittent, reversible, and an obstructive lung disease

Question 4

Describe airway obstruction from an anatomical perspective, what happens?

Answer 4

Muscle spasms from smooth muscle in the bronchial tree.

Question 5

What produces mucous in the lungs?

Answer 5

Goblet cells

Question 6

What happens to the body when asthma is triggered?

Answer 6

Vasodilation
Bronchospasm
Edema
Mucous secretion

Question 7

What is the cause of asthma?

Answer 7

Genetics and other triggers (common cold, GERD, extreme weather, food, emotions, etc.)

Question 8

Risk factors for asthma

Answer 8

Age (older = incr risk)
Gender (women < men)
Genetics
Exposure (job, environment, infection)
Family Hx
Medical history (GERD, obesity, allergies, respiratory infections)

Question 9

What tests do you use to diagnose Asthma?

Answer 9

Physical examination
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
Chest X-Ray (hyperinflation)
Serum Ig E – an allergic response

Question 10

Symptoms of asthma occur or worsen at night or day?

Answer 10

Night

Question 11

Early manifestations of Asthma

Answer 11

Cough, diminished breath sound

Question 12

Late manifestation of Asthma

Answer 12

Decreased O2 sat, use of accessory muscles, cyanosis

Question 13

What is airway remodeling?

Answer 13

The structural changes within the airways due to asthma.

Question 14

What changes are seen in airway remodeling?

Answer 14

Smooth muscle hypertrophy
Thickening of the basement membranes; Sub-epithelial fibrosis (collagen thickening)
Loss of epithelial integrity; Epithelial damage
Increased mucous production
Angiogenesis
Destruction of ciliate cells

Question 15

FEV1

Answer 15

Forced expiratory volume in 1 second

Question 16

What do we want to know in patients who use short-acting Beta Agonists?

Answer 16

We want to know how often they’re using the medication

Question 17

Peak expiratory flow

Answer 17

Max airflow expired during forced expiration

Question 18

What are the GINA Guidelines?

Answer 18

Global strategy for asthma management

Question 19

What is Salmeterol

Answer 19

Long Acting Beta Agonist

Question 20

What is ICS

Answer 20

Inhaled corticosteroids -formoterol. This is the most effective anti-inflammatory medication.

Question 21

Once a patient is diagnosed with asthma, how often should they be re-evaluated?

Answer 21

1 to 3 months after diagnosis, then every 3 to 12 months

Question 22

You asthma patient just experienced a severe exacerbation, when should they follow up with their primary care provider?

Answer 22

1 week after the exacerbation

Question 23

What should be included in an asthma action plan?

Answer 23

Prescribed medication.
When & how to increase medication.
When to access medical care if symptoms do not respond to tx.

Question 24

What is the peak flow percentage for the Green Zone?

Answer 24

80 to 100% of the peak flow

Question 25

Symptoms for the yellow zone of asthma exacerbation

Answer 25

Cough, wheezing, chest tightness, SOB, can do some but not all usual activities

Question 26

T/F If you are experiencing a red zone level of exacerbation, you need to seek medical attention immediately

Answer 26

True

Question 27

What tests does the nursing team need during an acute asthma exacerbation?

Answer 27

O2 monitoring and arterial blood gas

Question 28

What medications are administered to tx asthma exacerbation?

Answer 28

IV corticosteroids ipratropium bromide Inhaled B2-agonist (albuterol) IVF (intravenous fluids)

Question 29

50% to 80% of the personal best peak flow meter is defined as what zone?

Answer 29

Yellow

Question 30

below 50% of personal best "Danger" seek medical help, this is known as what zone?

Answer 30

Red zone