Asthma & Cystic Fibrosis

For asthma, what’s is a important key?

history of patient, especially if asthma is set off by allergi reaction

What’s the most severe form of asthma?

Status Asthmaticus

What’s the worst thing to do when a patient has Status Asthmaticus?

get them intubated and ventilator bc they won’t be able to take it off

Status Asthmaticus is known as a…

medical emergency

Why is allergic reaction really severe for asthmatic children?

can lead to Status Asthmaticus

What’s the process from getting to an allergic reaction to status asmathicus? 

if an allergic reaction gets in airways, it leads to a mast cell release of histamine, causing bronchoconstriction, leading to obstruction and potentially Status Asthmaticus 

What are some triggers for asthma?

allergens, environment, infection, exercise and emotions

What’s the assessment for a patient with asthma?

coughing, wheezing (low lungs), chest tightness, dyspnea

For children what’s a severe S&S of asthma? 

silent chest where the air is trapped and can’t get out

What does an acute MILD asthma attack look like?

normal mental state with slight/no increased work of breathing and can talk

What does an acute MODERATE asthma attack look like?

normal mental state w/ some increased work of breathing, tachycardia and some limitation to talk

What does an acute SEVERE asthma attack look like?

confusion, agitated, increased work of breathing, accessory muscle use, tachycardia, and marked limitation to talk 

What are some nursing actions for an acute asthma attack?

• Assess airway patency and resp. status

• administer humidified oxygen

• administer quick relief meds (bronchodilator)

• Initiate IV line

• Obtain ABG sample

• prepare child for CXR

Humidified oxygen doesn’t treat…

wheeze or work of breathing

What can be done when nothing to treat acute asthma attack is working?

Give IM adrenaline to open up the airways

What are some types of medications to help asthma?

• Relievers (short-acting)

• controllers (long-acting)

• preventers (corticosteroids)

What’s cystic fibrosis? 

genetic chronic multisystem disorder characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction

Cystic fibrosis is also known as a…

• progressive chronic lung disease

• pancreatic enzyme deficiency

• pancreatic fibrosis

How does a newborn present w/ cystic fibrosis?

they DON’T, it’s asymptomatic

What’s one thing that can lead to diagnosis of Cystic fibrosis when they are born?

Sweat concentration is salty d/t increased levels of sodium in the blood

Besides, sweat concentration, what’s something that is a distinguishing symptom of Cystic fibrosis?

Abnormally thick & tenacious mucus that leads to obstruction of small passageways of lungs, pancreas, and intestines

What are the body systems affected by Cystic fibrosis? 

respiratory, gastrointestinal, integumentary and reproductive system

How is the respiratory system affected by Cystic fibrosis?

• mucus in the airway

• emphysema

• atelectasis

• hypertrophy of muscle fibers in pulmonary arteries and arterioles

• pneumonia

How is the gastrointestinal system affected by Cystic fibrosis?

• meconium ileus in the newborn

• intestinal obstruction

• stools are frothy and foul-smelling

• malnutrition l/t failure to thrive

• deficiency in vitamins

How is the integumentary system affected by Cystic fibrosis?

• abnormally high levels of NaCl in sweat

• susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances

How is the reproductive system affected by Cystic fibrosis?

• delay puberty in girls

• fertility inhibited

• males sterile but not impotent

What are the respiratory interventions for cystic fibrosis?

• monitor respiratory status

• oxygen

• chest physiotherapy

• bronchodilator med

• antibiotics PRN

What are the gastrointestinal interventions for cystic fibrosis?

• high-calorie and protein diet

• multivitamins (A, D, E, K)

• monitor weight and stool patterns

• watch for constipation, intestinal obstruction and rectal prolapse

• monitor for signs of GERD

• may need pancreatic enzymes before each meal

What are the additional interventions for cystic fibrosis?

• monitor blood glucose and bone growth

• assess for signs of retinopathy and nephropathy

• education