Asthma

• Asthma


  Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways causing obstruction in the airways
• Asthma


  Marked by airway inflammation and hyperresponsive to a variety of stimuli or triggers
• Status Asthmaticus 


  Severe life-threatening asthma episode that is refractory to treatment and may result in pneumothorax, acute cor pulmonale, and respiratory arrest.
• Asthma Manifestations: Common

  • Wheezing (narrowing of bronchi upon exhalation)
  • Coughing
  • Dyspnea
• Asthma Interventions: During

  • Position: High Fowler's or Sitting (to aid in breathing)
  • Stay with the client to decrease anxiety
  • Auscultate lung sounds before, during, and after treatments
• Asthma Medications:

  Fast Acting - first line, emergency rescue

  • SABA: Albuterol
  • Anticholinergic: Ipratopium Bromide
  • Adrenergic: Epinephrine
  • Route: Inhaler or nebulizer
• Asthma Medications:

  Long-term: Maintenance

  • Corticosteroids: Beclomethasone; WOF - Thrush (Oral Care)
  • Long-Acting Betaadrenoceptor Agonist: Salmeterol (Oral or Inhaler)
  • Antileukotriene: Montelukast
  • Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine
  • Monoclonal Antibody: Omalizumab (inhibits IgE)
• Medications:

  2 drug orders: 1st - Bronchodilators; 2nd - Antiinflammatory
• Medications:

  Same medication: Wait for 1 minute before puffs
• Medications:

  Different medications: Wait for 5 minutes before puffs
• Spacer


  A device that increases delivery of bronchodilator to the lungs and decreases risk for oral thrush.
• What is the first step in using a Peak Flow Meter?

  Stand up or sit up straight
• Why is it important to ensure the indicator is at the bottom of the meter before use?


  To ensure an accurate starting point for the measurement
• What should you do after taking a deep breath in while using the Peak Flow Meter?

  Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and lightly bite it
• What is the correct way to position your tongue while using the Peak Flow Meter?

  Your tongue should be away from the mouthpiece
• What action should you take when you are ready to measure your peak flow?

  Blast the air out as hard and as fast as possible in a single flow
• What should you do after removing the meter from your mouth?

  Record the number that appears on the meter
• What is the procedure for recording peak flow readings?

  1. Repeat the steps two times after the first measurement.

  2. Record the highest of the three readings.

  3. Write this reading in an asthma diary as your Peak Expiratory Flow.
• Peak Flow Meter: Reading

  Green zone - 80 to 100 % of your normal peak flow rate signals all clear.
• Peak Flow Meter: Reading

  Green zone - asthma is under reasonable good control.
• Peak Flow Meter: Reading

  Green zone - continue prescribed program of management.
• Peak Flow Meter: Reading

  Yellow zone - 50 to 80 % of your normal peak flow rate signals caution.
• Peak Flow Meter: Reading

  Yellow zone - your airways are narrowing and may require extra treatment.
• Peak Flow Meter: Reading

  Red zone - less than 50 % of your normal peak flow rate signals medical alert.
• Peak Flow Meter: Reading

  Red zone - severe airway narrowing
• Peak Flow Meter: Reading

  Red zone - take your medications right away.
• Peak Flow Meter: Reading

  Red zone - contact HCP now.