1. Jurmaida H. Pagayao, BSN, RN

2. OVERVIEW

4. Definition
• Often referred to as reactive
airway disease (RAD)
• An intermittent, reversible,
obstructive disease of the lungs

5. • Characterized by bronchospasm
and hyperactivity to a multitude of
triggering agents:
Allergens
Antigens
Irritants

6. Incidence
• Can occur at any age
• Affects about 5% of the population
• Men are twice as likely as women
to get asthma

7. Onset
• Onset is usually sudden

8. Etiology
• Triggers include:
Allergens
Infections
Exercise
Abrupt changes in the weather
Exposure to airway irritants

9. Airway Irritants
Tobacco smoke
Perfume
Cold air

11. Clinical Findings
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Cough
Dry or productive of white, thick
sputum
• Chest tightness
• Anxiety
• Prolonged expiratory phase

12. NURSING FOCUS

13. • During an attack:
Assess and maintain ABCs
Notify RT/MD
Implement collaborative care:
 Meds, IV fluids as ordered

14. • Stay with the patient
• Offer emotional support
• Monitor vital signs
• Document response to prescribed
therapies

15. PATIENT TEACHING

16. • Provide patient and family with
literature on asthma
• Explain the actions, dosages, side
effects, adverse reactions of
asthma meds
• Provide instruction on the proper
use of metered-dose inhalers

17. • Provide instructions on the proper
use of peak flow meter
• Answer any questions about the
patient’s asthma management
plan
• Instruct the patient to seek
immediate medical attention if
symptoms are not relieved with
prescribed meds

18. • Teach the patient and family:
About the kinds of triggering
agents that precipitate an attack
How to minimize their risk of
exposure