Question

CASE STUDY QUESTION

Lori is an 11-year-old child who was diagnosed with asthma 4 years ago. Lori is allergic to common molds, plants, animals and aspirin. Albuterol, used as needed for symptoms, has controlled her asthma initially over the first 3 years post diagnosis but has had less positive results in the last year. Lori also takes an antihistamine daily to control allergy symptoms. Now, however, Lori is in the emergency department with an acute asthma exacerbation. In the past 5 hours she has used her inhaler approx. 10 times, with no relief. In your initial assessment, you see a child in acute respiratory distress. She’s in high Fowler’s position, leaning forward, with oxygen by nasal cannula at 5 liters/minute. Her wheezes are audible without a stethoscope. She is using accessory muscles to breathe and has intercostals retractions. The cardiac monitor shows sinus tachycardia. Her BP is 148/92 and her SpO2 is 86%. Lori’s mother explains that Lori had a cold last week. Lori’s herself is diaphoretic and SOB and can answer your questions with only nodding her head. Her arterial blood gas analysis results include pH 7.3, PaCO2 60 mmHg and PaO2 48 mmHg. CBX shows leukocytosis Chest X-ray shows hyperinflation with some infiltrates Fluticasone is added to Lori’s regimen to control her asthma

QUESTION: 1. Explain in detail the therapeutic benefit of Albuterol in Lori.

Answer 1

1.

Albuterol or salbutamol is a bronchodilator as well as muscle relaxant by acting on beta agonist. It is efficient for using against shortness of breath and wheezing in asthma attack. It is not effective when using continuously, but has benefit when using during the exacerbation of asthma, patient symptoms reduces immediately.