Asthma

Asthma

Definition: Often referred to as reactive airway disease (RAD), asthma is an intermittent, reversible, obstructive lung disease characterized by bronchospasm and hyperreactivity to a multitude of triggering agents (allergens/ antigens/irritants). Incidence: Asthma can occur at any age and is estimated to affect ~5% of the population. Men are twice as likely as women to have asthma. Onset: Onset is usually sudden. Etiology:Triggers include allergens, infections, exercise, abrupt changes in the weather, or exposure to airway irritants, such as tobacco smoke, perfume, or cold air. Clinical Findings: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough (either dry or productive of thick, white sputum), chest tightness, anxiety, and prolonged expiratory phase. Nursing Focus ■ During an attack, assess and maintain ABCs, notify RT/MD, and implement collaborative care such as meds and IV fluid as ordered. ■ Stay with Pt and offer emotional support. ■ Monitor vital signs and document response to prescribed therapies. Patient Teaching ■ Provide Pt and family with literature on asthma. ■ Explain actions, dosages, side effects, and adverse reactions of asthma meds. ■ Provide instructions on proper use of metered dose inhalers. ■ Provide instructions on proper use of peak flow meter and answer any questions about Pt’s asthma management plan. ■ Teach Pt and family about kinds of triggering agents that can precipitate an attack and how to minimize risk of exposure. ■ Instruct Pt to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are not relieved with prescribed meds.