Question

1. What factors may trigger an asthmatic episode? 2. What are the clinical manifestations of a child experiencing an exacerbation of asthma? 3. Explain the progression of asthma that is nonresponsive to treatment 4. Discuss the pathophysiology of asthma. 5. Discuss the actions, side effects, contraindications, and nursing Implications of the following medications in the treatment of asthma: albuterol, atrovent, epinephrine, prednisolone, prednisone, solumedrol, magnesium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate. 6. Discuss the following treatment modalities for the treatment of asthma and note when each is indicated: aerosolized medications by nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler, oxygen, heliox therapy, BIPap. 7. Discuss consent for treatment of a minor. How does the nurse proceed if the parent is unreachable?

Answer 1

1.Some of the major triggers which could lead to asthmatic episode are

• Allergies
• Exposure to dust,smoke,fumes,pollens, pollution,smoking etc.,
• Extreme weather hot or cold
• exercise
• Infections
• Strong odours
• Psychological disturbances like stress

2.The clinical manifestation of a child experiencing exacerabation of asthma are

• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulty
• Chest tightness
• Difficult to sleep in lying position
• Chronic cough
• Waking up in the early morning to breath out
• Tiredness

The first four symptoms are typical factor to assess an exacerabation of asthma

3.Th progression of an untreated asthma are impaired development of lungs leads ,functional loss,status asthmaticus,respiratory distress

4.Pathophysiology

When there is a trigger or a causation factors ,it irritates the airways especially bronchial walls leading to constriction of the path way leading to wheezing .This further is accompanied by the mucus secretion and deposition in the lung cavity leads to difficulty in breathing and other symptoms. In simple there is bronchoconstriction>airway inflammation or edema>hyperresponsive to the symptoms >finally followed by structural changes