stuff i need to know

what is Short-acting Beta2-Agonists (SABA)

Quick-relief medication used for an acute asthma attack. It relaxes smooth muscle in the airway. Can also be used to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Side effects include tachycardia, nervousness, nausea/vomiting (N/V)

• albuterol

Long-acting Beta2-Agonists (LABA)

Control medication used daily to help prevent asthma. It is not used for an acute asthma attack. Used as add-on therapy

• salmeterol

Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)

Anti-inflammatory control medication. Used daily. The patient should rinse their mouth after using an MDI

Budesonide, Fluticasone

Anticholinergic Agents

Used for acute exacerbations. It inhibits bronchoconstriction. Rinse mouth after using MDI

• Ipratropium

Leukotriene Modifiers/Antagonists (LTRA)

Used for control. It reduces the inflammation cascade and the need for quick-relief medications

• monulukast

Corticosteroids (Oral or IV)

Used to decrease airway inflammation and enhance the bronchodilating effect from SABAs. Should watch for decreased growth, blood glucose levels (BGs), and immunosuppression

• Dexamethasone, Prednisone

what are teh 4 classifications of asthma

1. Intermittent

2. Mild persistent

3. Moderate persistent

4. Severe persistent

what do the classes of asthma mean

• Intermittent asthma: A patient with intermittent asthma will have daytime symptoms less than two days a week and nighttime symptoms less than two days per month.

• Severe Persistent asthma: A patient with severe persistent asthma will have continual symptoms during the day and will often have frequent nighttime symptoms

what is an epidural hematoma

The accumulation of blood occurs in the space between the dura mater and the skull.

• This condition is noted to be rare in children less than 4 years old

• Arteriol bleeding

• a brief loss of consciousness, followed by a lucid interval, and then a rapid neurological decline. This severe and rapid deterioration is caused by the high-pressure arterial bleeding quickly forming a mass and leading to a sudden, critical increase in intracranial pressure.

what is a subdural hematoma

The blood accumulates in the space situated between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater.

• This type of hematoma is more common in infants less than age

• Venous bleeding

what is arnold chiari

a structural defect of the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when part of the cerebellum, the lower portion of the brain, herniates or extends downward into the spinal canal. 

what is ataxia

a neurological sign of poor muscle coordination that affects balance, speech, and movement

• s/s of CP

what is dystonia

a movement disorder characterized by sustained or repetitive involuntary muscle contractions that cause abnormal postures and movements

• s/s of CP

what are the first 4 action done in the ER for Status epileptticus

1. Mainatin Airway

2. establish IV access

3. IV Benzodiazepines

4. Assess Glucose levels for hypoglycemia

what are some commen benzodiazpines

Ativan, versed and valium