Question

EEX BIUA CD Case Study for Asthma Michael is a 14-year-old who presented to the emergency department in severe respiratory distress, including dyspnea, accessory muscle use, and wheezing,. He was diagnosed with asthma at age 3 and is generally well controlled but he has been struggling this fall controlling his symptoms. He plays football and is noticing he is becoming very SOB at practices and his legs feel weak. Michael was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). His treatment regimen includes albuterol via inhalation every 20 minutes for four doses and IV solumedrol every 6 hours. 1. Describe the potential adverse effects of administering albuterol as ordered. For what signs and symptoms should the nurse be alert? 2. Michael's mother is with him in the ICU. She expresses concern about his treatment with IV corticosteroids, stating that she has heard that many adverse effects are associated with these drugs. What are the side effects his mother is likely concerned about? Explain why the benefit of this treatment is greater than the risk in this person. Include the pathophysiology of asthma in your answer Explore 25 MacBoo esc

Answer 1

1. The potential adverse effects of albeutarol administration as advised may cause dry mouth, tremors, chest pain, nause, seasure, fainting etc. overdose of albeutarol may be fatal so beware of it.

Nurses should be alert for any convulsions if patient shows. Heart beat of the patient should be checked frequently because patient might show fast heartbeat due to the albeutarol dose administered to him. Patient may feel light headed or fainting experience so nurse should be alert for that.

2. Mother may be concerned about the side effects like flushing of face and neck, osteoporosis, weight gain thinning of skin and infection prone condition of the patient.

There is much benefit of using the corticosteroid over these side effects. They can relieve inflammation, pain and discomfort for the patient although he is involved in sports activities. Regular follow up and proper administration of the drug can slowly lower the doses and can achieve significant results with a reduced risk of such problems.

Pathophysiology Of asthma: Bronchospasm, tissue damage, excessive mucus etc can cause bronchoconstriction. Bronchospasm will lead airway to natrow and increased mucus production can cause blockage of airway capillaries leading to difficulty in breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, inflammation and other symptoms of astma.