Title of Assignment:
Module 08 Written Assignment – Asthma Case Study
Purpose of Assignment:
This assignment will help the student evaluate of a respiratory disorder, which, if untreated, can be a serious condition. Students need to understand respiratory complications and how it can impact ventilation and respiration is important to the study for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Course Competency(s):
- Evaluate pathophysiologic alterations that affect the neurologic and respiratory systems.
Content:
J.S. is a 42-year-old man who lives in the Midwest and is highly allergic to dust and pollen and has a history of mild asthma. J.S’s wife drove him to the emergency room when his wheezing was unresponsive to his fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) inhaler. J.S. was unable to lie down, and began to use accessory muscles to breathe. J.S. is immediately started on 4 L oxygen by nasal cannula and intravenous (IV) D5W at 75 mL/hr. A set of arterial blood gases is sent to the laboratory. J.S. appears anxious and says that he is short of breath.
Vital signs
BP = 152/84 HR = 124 bpm RR = 42 Temp = 100.40F
ABGs
pH = 7.31 PaCO2 = 48 HCO3 = 26 PaO2 = 55
Instructions:
Investigate the pathophysiology of asthma and the clinical manifestations of the disease. Analyze the case study provided and determine what symptoms support the diagnosis of asthma. Identify the treatment provided in the emergency department and determine what additional therapies are needed to mitigate the asthma symptoms and return the client to wellness.
- Do you have any concerns with the numbers above?
- Identify what may be causing (etiology) J.S. to have an exacerbation of asthma.
Prepare a 3-5 page paper outlining the causes of asthma, the symptoms that the client presents and the management of the disorder. Use at least one scholarly source to support your findings. Examples of scholarly sources include academic journals, textbooks, reference texts, and CINAHL nursing guides. Be sure to cite your sources in-text and on a References page using APA format.
You can find useful reference materials for this assignment in the School of Nursing guide: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/nursing/referenceebooks
Have questions about APA? Visit the online APA guide: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/apa
Title: Understanding Asthma: A Case Study Analysis
Introduction Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, resulting in symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. This paper aims to analyze the case study of J.S., a 42-year-old man experiencing an asthma exacerbation, by investigating the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management of asthma.
Pathophysiology of Asthma Asthma involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, including airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airway obstruction. In individuals with asthma, exposure to triggers such as allergens, irritants, respiratory infections, or exercise can initiate an inflammatory response in the airways. This leads to the release of various inflammatory mediators, including histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines, which promote bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and edema of the airway walls.
Clinical Manifestations The clinical manifestations observed in J.S.’s case are indicative of an acute asthma exacerbation. These include wheezing, increased respiratory rate, dyspnea, tachycardia, accessory muscle use, and anxiety. The arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis reveals respiratory acidosis with a low partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and an elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), suggesting ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch due to airway obstruction.
Management of Asthma Exacerbation The initial management of asthma exacerbation in the emergency department involves addressing airway obstruction, hypoxemia, and inflammation. J.S. received supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula to alleviate hypoxemia. Intravenous fluids were administered to maintain hydration and support circulation. The use of fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) inhaler indicates the initiation of bronchodilator therapy to relieve bronchoconstriction and inflammation.
Concerns with ABG Results The ABG results indicate respiratory acidosis (pH = 7.31) with hypercapnia (PaCO2 = 48 mmHg) and hypoxemia (PaO2 = 55 mmHg), suggesting inadequate ventilation. These findings raise concerns about the severity of airway obstruction and the potential for respiratory failure if left untreated.
Etiology of Asthma Exacerbation Several factors may contribute to J.S.’s asthma exacerbation. Firstly, his known allergies to dust and pollen suggest exposure to allergens, which can trigger airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Additionally, inadequate adherence to his asthma maintenance medications or failure to recognize early symptoms may have contributed to the exacerbation. Environmental factors such as air pollution or viral respiratory infections could also exacerbate his asthma symptoms.
Conclusion Asthma is a complex respiratory disorder characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and recurrent episodes of airflow obstruction. Prompt recognition and appropriate management of asthma exacerbations are crucial to prevent respiratory compromise and improve patient outcomes. Through comprehensive assessment, prompt intervention, and patient education, individuals with asthma can achieve optimal control of their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.