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18 Cards in this Set

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Asthma Statistics
22 million adults have asthma

It is a chronic disease of childhood

9 million children diagnosis with asthma and 80-90% have first symptoms before 5 years of age.

Asthma is attributed to
Nearly 2 million ER visits
25 million lost work days annually
15 million lost school days annually
Over $16 billion in health care costs annually
Asthma defined
A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, alveoli are not involved

Intermittent, reversible airflow limitation

Airways are in a persistent state of inflammation but have periods when asthma is “quiet” or subacute
Triggers of Asthma
Allergens: Seasonal or Nonseasonal
Air Pollution
Occupational exposure
Respiratory infections
Animals
Exercise
Drug/Food additives
GERD
Nose/sinus problems
Stress
Emotions
Asthma Gene
Pathophysiology of Asthma
Chronic inflammation from exposure to allergens or irritants

Inflammatory mediators are released which cause:
Vascular congestion
Edema formation
Production of thick, tenacious sputum
Bronchoconstriction
Thickening of airway walls
Increase bronchial hyperresponsiveness
Clinical Manifestations
Coughing
Wheezing
Dyspnea
Chest tightness
Tachycardia with tachypnea
Prolonged expiratory phase
Anxiety/apprehension
Use of accessory muscles
retractions
Diagnostic Tests
Pulmonary function test
Peak expiratory flow reading or P E F R
CXR
ABGs
Early
Late
Allergy testing
Sputum C&S
CBC with differential
O2 saturation monitoring
Collaborative Care for Acute Attack
Oxygen therapy
Pharmcalogic therapy
Bronchodilators
Beta-agonists
Anticholinergics
Methylxanthine
Leukotriene modifiers
Corticosteroids
Nebulizer treatments
SaO2 monitoring
ABGs
Hydration
Positioning
Relaxation therapy
Possible intubation and assisted ventilation
Nursing Assessment
SUBJECTIVE DATA includes
Current symptoms with duration of attack
Identification of trigger for attack
Frequency of attacks
Measures instituted to relieve attack
Meds and allergies
Level of distress

OBJECTIVE DATA includes
Vital signs
Positioning of client
Respiratory excursion
Use of accessory muscles
Lung sounds
Color
Presence of sputum
Oxygen saturation
PEFR
Labs/ABGs
Nursing Interventions
Place client in high fowler’s or orthopneic position
Administer oxygen and medications
Nebulizer treatments with humidification
Hydration
Stay with client and provide reassurance
Calm enviroment
Breathing techniques
Assist with ADLS
Rest periods
Monitor PEFRs
Correct administration of inhalers
Client/family education
Personal Action Plan and Peak Expiratory Flow Reading (PEFR)
Green Zone: ALL CLEAR

Yellow Zone: TAKE ACTION

Red Zone: MEDICAL ALERT
This is an emergency!
Prevention of Asthma Attacks
Focus is on Client and Family Education

Allergy proof home
Avoid allergies and environmental triggers
Proper hydration, nutrition and rest
Avoidance of cold air
Correct administration of meds/inhalers especially with children
Daily PEFR
Develop a written asthma action plan
Keep a diary related to asthma attacks
Early treatment of URIs and sinusitis
Corticosteroids
(actions and drugs)
suppress inflammatory response by decreasing the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators
reduce bronchial hyperresponsiveness
not used to treat acute attack
can be given IV, orally and inhaled

Common inhaled steroids Flovent Pulmicort
& Azmacort
Via MDI or DPI
1) administer after bronchodilators to facilitate transport of med to distal airways
2) some of the side effects if given systemically are hyperglycemia, weight gain, moonface, mood swings, osteoporosis
3) all corticosteroids must be gradually discontinued (tapered off)
4) inhaled corticosteroids must be given for 1-2 wks. before therapeutic effects are seen
5) to reduce the risk of fungal infections rinse the mouth after using the inhaler and maintain good oral hygiene; if using as MDI may want to use a spacer to decrease risk
Mast Cell Stabilizers
-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
-prevents bronchoconstriction in response to inhaling cold air
-used for preventing asthma attacks, not to treat acute attack
-used for seasonal asthma
Intal
Tilade
1) few side effects; possible throat irritation
2) gargle or sip water to decrease throat irritation with neb treatment
3) several weeks may be required before a beneficial effect is noted.
Bronchodilators
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists
are the treatment of choice for acute bronchial asthma
produce smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation
onset within mins.
effective for 4-8 hours

Short acting drugs: Proventil (Albuterol), Xopenex, Alupent

long acting drugs: Serevent, Foradil

Via MDI or DPI
1) not first choice for long term control
2) should not be used alone: added to the treatment regime
3) too frequent use indicates poor asthma control
4)use with caution in clients with hypertension, dysrhtymias, cardiovascular disease or diabetes
5)common side effects are tachycardia, tremors nervousness, palpitations, BP changes, nausea and hypokalemia
Methylxanthines
-produce bronchodilation through relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle
- are CNS stimulants;produce adverse effects of nervousness, insomnia and tremors
- Theophylline, Theo-Dur , Amimophylline
- can be given IV, po,elixir
1) monitor effect closely when administered concurrently with other meds.
2)narrow margin of safety and high potential for toxicity
3)not used as frequently because of use of inhalers
4) monitor for signs of toxicity: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, cardiac dysrhythmias and seizures are early manifestations.
5)administer with meals to reduce gastric irritation
6) do not smoke while using drug
7) monitor of serum levels is vital; therapeutic blood levels (10-20mcg/ml)
8) Aminophylline is incompatible with many other intravenous drugs. Use separate line or flush line with normal saline before and after administering
Anticholinergics
block bronchoconstriction of parasympathetic nervous system

Atrovent onset is 30 mins to 1 hr. and is effective for 4-6 hours

MDI
Spiriva is long acting
DPI
1) usually used in combination with other
2) provide ice chips or hard candy to relieve dry mouth
3)common adverse side effects are dry mouth, flushing,
nausea, vomiting, headache
Leukotriene Modifiers
-interferes with inflammatory process by suppressing effects of leukotrienes
-used for prophylaxis/maintenance therapy in adults and children over 12
-not to be used for acute attacks
Singular
Accolate
1) well tolerated
2) these drugs inhibit some liver enzymes, affecting metabolism of warfarin and theophylline. Monitor prothrombin and theophylline blood levels.
3) administer at least 1 hour before or 2 hours before meals
4) monitor liver enzymes, these drugs may be toxic to liver
Combination Inhalers
Advair Diskus (DPI): an inhaled corticosteroid and a long acting beta adrenergic

Combivent, DuoNeb (MDI) albuterol and atrovent both are bronchodilators but mechanism for action is different

Symbicort (MDI) an inhaled steroid and a long acting beta adrenergic
1) used for maintenance therapy if they are not responding to low/medium dosed of inhaled corticosteroids
2) clients must be careful not to overuse