what is the definition of asthma CORRECT ANSWER REVERSIBLE acute airway obstruction that occurs intermittently, reducing the airflow of the airways
what is obstruction in asthma caused by CORRECT ANSWER 1. inflammation
2. airway tissue sensitivity- constriction of the bronchi
what triggers an asthma attack CORRECT ANSWER 1. inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the airways 2. response to specific allergens/ irritants
what questions would you ask when assessing history for asthma? CORRECT ANSWER - seasonal? - activities that cause it? - exposures at work that might cause it? - does family have a history of having respiratory problems? - smoking habits
what are the signs and symptoms of asthma CORRECT ANSWER - audible wheeze and increased resp. rate - daytime wheezing, dyspnea, coughing present - reliever drug needed more than 2x a week - activity limited or stopped more than 2x a week
control levels of asthma CORRECT ANSWER controlled- no asthma symptoms present partial control- 1 or 2 symptoms uncontrolled- 3-4 symptoms
what needs to be observed in asthma patient CORRECT ANSWER - use of accessory muscles - "barrel chest" caused by air trapping and increased cough - audible wheeze, breathing cycle is longer with prolonged exhalation - muscle retraction at the sternum and the suprasternal notch
What would you look for in the ABG lab tests for asthma CORRECT ANSWER decreased paO2
- elevated serum eosinophil count - elevated immunoglobulin E
tests to perform on asthma patient CORRECT ANSWER using a spirometer
interventions for asthma CORRECT ANSWER - personal asthma action plan - take inhaler before doing sports - have inhaler at all times
what are the goals for asthma treatment CORRECT ANSWER improve airflow and gas exchange
self-management for asthma includes CORRECT ANSWER personal asthma action plan - daily drugs - assessment questions specific to the patient - directions for adjusting the drug schedule - when to contact the provider - actions when drugs are inaffective
patient teaching for asthma CORRECT ANSWER - keep a symptom and intervention diary to learn triggers, early cues, personal response to drugs - triggers include: smoke, fireplaces, dust, mold, weather, - seek immediate emergency care if: fingertips are blue
difficulty breathing
retractions of the neck, chest/ ribs
nasal flaring
failure of the drugs to control worsening symptoms *avoid drugs that trigger asthma (aspirin, NSAIDS) *avoid food that has been prepared with monosodium glutamate
definition of COPD CORRECT ANSWER collection of lower airway disorders that interfere with airflow and gas exchange 1. emphysema 2. chronic bronchitis
what is emphysema CORRECT ANSWER destructive problem of the lung elastic tissue that reduces its ability to recoil after stretching, leading to hyperinflation of the lung this causes dyspnea and decreases gas exchange