Bronchial Asthma Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by hyperresponsiveness, mucosal edema, and mucus production.
This inflammation leads to recurrent episodes of cough, chest tightness, wheezing, and dyspnea.
How many people in the United States are affected by asthma?
Approximately 26 million persons.
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood.
What are the three key abnormalities in the pathophysiology of asthma?
- Airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation
- Bronchoconstriction
- Mucus impaction
What are the causes of asthma?
- Genetic predisposition, specifically a personal or family history of atopy
- Environmental exposure, including tobacco smoke and inflammatory gases
What are the risk factors for asthma?
- Family history
- Allergy
- Chronic exposure to airway irritants or allergens such as grass, weed pollens, mold, dust, or animals
What are common asthma triggers?
- Airway irritants
- Exercise
- Stress or emotional upset
- Medications
- Viral respiratory infections
- Gastroesophageal reflux
What are the most common symptoms of asthma?
- Cough (with or without mucus production)
- Dyspnea
- Wheezing
When do asthma attacks frequently occur?
At night or in the early morning.
What is an asthma exacerbation?
An asthma exacerbation is frequently preceded by increasing symptoms over days but may begin abruptly.
What are potential complications of asthma?
- Status asthmaticus
- Respiratory failure
- Pneumonia
What are positive findings in the assessment and evaluation of asthma?
- Positive family history
- Environmental factors such as seasonal changes, high pollen counts, mold, pet dander, climate changes, and air pollution
- Comorbid conditions such as GORD
What findings may occur during an acute exacerbation of asthma?
- Fine tremor in the hands due to salbutamol use
- Mild tachycardia
- Respiratory distress
- Bilateral expiratory wheeze
What should be monitored during asthma assessment?
- Severity of symptoms
- Breath sounds
- Pulse oximetry
- Vital signs
What is the diagnostic method of choice for asthma?
Spirometry, which will show an obstructive pattern that is partially or completely resolved by salbutamol.
What are the goals of nursing care plans for asthma?
- Maintenance of airway patency
- Expectoration of secretions
- Understanding of causes and therapeutic management regimen
- Identification of potential complications
What is emphasized in discharge and home care guidelines for asthma?
- Collaboration between the patient and healthcare provider
- Health education regarding asthma and medications
- Compliance to therapy
- Implementation of an action plan
What is the effect of salbutamol on potassium levels?
Salbutamol can cause potassium to shift into the intracellular space transiently, potentially inducing transient, iatrogenic hypokalaemia.
What is the significance of a chest x-ray in asthma evaluation?
A chest x-ray is important, especially if there is a history of risk for potential foreign body or possible infection.
Fill in the blank: Asthma is characterized by _______.
[chronic inflammation of the airways]
True or False: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood.
True
