DIAGNOSIS BASED ON
SYMPTOMS CLASSIFIED
BY FOUR CATEGORIES
MILD INTERMITTENT- Symptoms occur less than twice a week
MILD PERSISTENT - Symptoms that occur more than twice a week, but not daily.
MODERATE PERSISTENT - Daily symptoms occur in conjunction with exacerbations twice a week.
SEVERE PERSISTENT - Symptoms occur continually, along with frequent exacerbation that limit the child's physical activity and quality of life
2 RISK FACTORS
1. Young children are more susceptible to infections.
2. The presence of second hand smoke increases the
risk for asthma.
FOUR NURSING INTERVENTIONS
1. Assess/monitor airway patency, respiratory rate, symmetry, effort, and use of accessory muscles
2. Assess/monitor breath sounds in all lung fields.
3. Monitor for SOB, dyspnea and audible wheezing
4. Check lab results, ABG's, SaO2, CBC, and chest x-ray.
5. Position the child (High-Fowler's) to maximize ventilation
6. Administer O2
7. Initiate & Maintain IV access.
8. Maintain a calm and reassuring demeanor.
2 MEDICATIONS IN TREATMENT OF ASTHMA
1 CONSIDERATION PERTAINING TO MEDS
1. Instuct/reinforce the child and family in the proper use of MDI, DPI, or nebulizer. 2. Watch the child for tremors and
tachycardia when taking albuterol. 3. Observe the child for dry mouth when taking Ipratropium. 4. Anti-Inflammatory action and
adverse effects considerations. - Watch for decreased immunity function. - Monitor for hyperglycemia - Advise to report black,
tarry stools - OBserve for fluid retention and weight gain. - Observe throat and mouth for aphthous (cold sores) lesions.