COA Exam 2: Asthma, Pneumothorax

What is Asthma?

chronic airway reactivity triggered by allergens, drugs, irritants, stress, and other irritants

What causes the narrowed airways of Asthma?

bronchial smooth muscle spasm and mucosal edema

What are symptoms of Asthma?

wheezing, SOB, respiratory failure

What is the underlying problem with Asthma?

airway inflammation

What are the demographics of Asthma?

more common in women than men, more common in boys than girls

What are risk factors of Asthma?

environmental factors, genetic factors, history of atopic disease, obesity

What history should be evaluated in patients with Asthma?

specific triggers, cough that worsens at night, seasonal variations

What is chronic asthma?

Reversible and irreversible changes in airway structure and function

What are symptoms of Chronic Asthma?

nasal signs of allergic rhinitis, pale mucosa, clear drainage

What is an Acute Asthma Attack?

contraction of airway smooth muscle and swelling of the airway epithelium

What are symptoms of an Acute Asthma Attack?

frightened appearance, changing breathing pattern, expiratory wheezing, chest tightness

How is Asthma diagnosed?

pulmonary function test, spirometry, chest x-ray

What nursing care can be introduced with Asthma?

avoid triggers, hydrate to liquefy secretions, humidification, pursed lip breathing

What Inhaled beta-2 adrenergic agonists are used for Asthma?

Albuterol, Levalbuterol, Salmeterol

What is the action of beta-2 adrenergic agonists?

relax smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation

What are side effects of beta-2 adrenergic agonisits?

tachycardia, tremor, dizziness

What anticholinergics can be used to treat asthma?

Ipratropium, Tiotropium

What is the action of anticholinergics?

relax smooth muscle, decrease mucous production

What are side effects of anticholinergics?

dry mouth, restlessness, urinary obstruction

What inhaled corticosteroids can be used for Asthma?

Budesonide, Fluticasone, Mometasone

What is the action of inhaled corticosteroids?

decrease airway inflammation, decrease mucous production and edema, make airways less sensitive

When are oral corticosteroids used in Asthma?

short term use for exacerbations

What Leukotriene modifiers are used in Asthma?

Singulair

What is the action of Leukotriene modifiers?

disrupts inflammatory mediator, not for rescue use

What are side effects of Leukotriene modifiers?

headache, dizziness

What is a Pneumothorax?

collection of air or gas in the pleural cavity between the chest wall and the lung

What is a tension pneumothorax?

air can enter the pleural space but cannot exit

What are causes of a pneumothorax?

rupture of congenital bleb, trauma, blast injury

What is an open pneumothorax?

sucking chest wound, wound in chest wall

What is a closed pneumothorax?

air can enter the pleural cavity from internal airways, no opening in chest wall

What is the treatment for a pneumothorax?

chest tube