Signs & Symptoms Of Asthma Flashcards

What major chronic disease affects children the most frequently?

Answer: Asthma

Asthma is recognized as the most common chronic disease affecting children globally. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, significantly impacting a child's quality of life and requiring ongoing management. Its high prevalence makes it a major public health concern in pediatric populations.

What signs of asthma might you experience?

Answer: Narrowed airway

A primary physiological sign of asthma is the narrowing of the airways, known as bronchoconstriction. This narrowing occurs due to inflammation, muscle spasms, and mucus production, which obstruct airflow and lead to characteristic symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. While airway edema and impaired secretion clearance also occur, airway narrowing is the fundamental issue directly responsible for airflow obstruction.

The mother of a child who has recently been diagnosed with asthma is being instructed by the nurse. Which form of asthma attack is brought on by the evaporation of heat or moisture from the bronchial surface, according to the nurse?

Answer: Exercise-induced

Exercise-induced asthma (EIA), also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), is triggered by the rapid breathing of dry, cool air during physical activity. This rapid respiration causes the airways to lose heat and moisture, leading to irritation and subsequent bronchoconstriction. The evaporation of heat and moisture from the bronchial surface is the key mechanism behind this type of asthma attack.

A patient in the hospital is recovering from a severe asthma attack. Which nursing intervention is most suitable for the healing process?

Answer: Limiting the number of visitors

After a severe asthma attack, a patient requires a calm and restful environment to facilitate recovery and conserve energy. Limiting the number of visitors helps to reduce external stimuli, minimize stress, and prevent overstimulation, which could potentially exacerbate respiratory distress. This intervention supports a therapeutic atmosphere conducive to healing and prevents unnecessary exertion.

An asthmatic child's breath sounds are being evaluated by the nurse, who audibly detects severe wheezing throughout the lungs. Auscultation of the patient's breath five minutes later reveals quiet breath sounds. What of the following should the nurse do right now?

Answer: Contact the doctor right away

A sudden cessation of severe wheezing, leading to quiet breath sounds in an asthmatic child, is an ominous and critical sign. This indicates severely diminished airflow due to extreme bronchoconstriction, often referred to as a 'silent chest,' and suggests impending respiratory failure. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention, making it imperative to contact the doctor right away.

Asthma patient says, "I experience daily symptoms that occasionally last into the night." Which type of asthma is this patient presently experiencing?

Answer: Moderate persistent

According to asthma classification guidelines, experiencing daily symptoms and nighttime awakenings more than once a week but not nightly falls under the category of moderate persistent asthma. This level of severity indicates ongoing airway inflammation and requires daily controller medication to manage symptoms and prevent exacerbations. It signifies a need for consistent therapeutic intervention beyond as-needed relief.

The patient being looked after by the healthcare provider has intermittent asthma. Which of these medications will the patient learn about from the healthcare provider?

Answer: Albuterol oral inhalation

Intermittent asthma is characterized by symptoms occurring two days a week or less and nighttime awakenings two nights a month or less. For this mildest form of asthma, the primary treatment is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) like albuterol, used on an as-needed basis for quick relief of symptoms. Daily controller medications are not typically prescribed for intermittent asthma.