Pwk6assgn
Assignment: Asthma
Complications of asthma can be sudden. Consider the case of
Bradley Wilson, a young boy who had several medical conditions. He appeared in good
health when he went to school, returned home, and ate dinner. However, when he
later went outside to play, he came back inside wheezing. An ambulance took him
to the hospital where he was pronounced dead (Briscoe, 2012). In another case,
10-year-old Dynasty Reese, who had mild asthma, woke up in the middle of the
night and ran to her grandfather’s bedroom to tell him she couldn’t breathe. By
the time paramedics arrived, she had passed out and was pronounced dead at the
hospital (Glissman, 2012). These situations continue to outline the importance
of recognizing symptoms of asthma and providing immediate treatment, as well as
distinguishing minor symptoms from serious, life-threatening symptoms. Since
these symptoms and attacks are often induced by a trigger, as an advanced
practice nurse, you must be able to help patients identify their triggers and
recommend appropriate treatment options. For this reason, you need to
understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic asthma and acute asthma
exacerbation.
To Prepare
· Review “Asthma” . Identify the pathophysiological
mechanisms of chronic asthma and acute asthma exacerbation. Consider how these
disorders are similar and different.
· Select a patient factor different from the one you
selected in this week’s Discussion: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or
behavior. Think about how the factor you selected might impact the
pathophysiology of both disorders. Reflect on how you would diagnose and
prescribe treatment of these disorders for a patient based on the factor you
selected.
· Construct two mind maps—one for chronic asthma and one for
acute asthma exacerbation. Consider the epidemiology and clinical presentation
of both chronic asthma and acute asthma exacerbation.
To Complete
Write a 2- to 3-page paper that addresses the following:
· Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic
asthma and acute asthma exacerbation. Be sure to explain the changes in the
arterial blood gas patterns during an exacerbation.
· Explain how the factor you selected might impact the
pathophysiology of both disorders. Describe how you would diagnose and
prescribe treatment for a patient based on the factor you selected.
· Construct two mind maps—one for chronic asthma and one for
acute asthma exacerbation. Include the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and
clinical presentation, as well as the diagnosis and treatment you explained in
your paper.
