Gas Exchange Disorders

Readiness Activity – Gas Exchange Disorders. Isabella Hitt is a 32-year-old patient who has been brought to the clinic by her husband, David.

Isabella is coughing, wheezing and stating that her chest hurts. Davis is very agitated and

tells the nurse, “My wife is having an asthma attack and needs an inhaler right away.”

Answer the following questions based on your knowledge of asthma:

1. Summarize the triggers of asthma.

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2. List the clinical manifestations associated with acute asthma.

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3. Discuss methods that can be used to prevent asthma attacks.

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4. What is the underlying pathophysiology of asthma?

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5. What diagnostic tests can be used to diagnose asthma?

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6. Isabelle will need medication management for her asthma. Explain why Isabella would need to use a Bronchodilator? Why is albuterol used? What are the adverse effects of Methylxanthines: such as theophylline?

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7. Explain what key teaching points regarding anti-inflammatory medications such as Corticosteroids (fluticasone and prednisone) and Leukotriene antagonists (montelukast).

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8. How would you explain to Isabella on how she should take her prescribed bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications? Explain your rationale.

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