Asthma
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Respiratoryhigh priorityneeds review
Asthma
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Airway inflammation and hyperreactivity triggered by allergens, infection, exercise, irritants, or stress.
- Bronchoconstriction, mucus, and swelling narrow airways and trap air.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bronchodilators | Rescue or maintenance bronchodilation depending on agent. |
| Corticosteroids | Controls airway inflammation. |
Nursing actions
- Assess work of breathing, wheezing, oxygenation, and ability to speak.
- Use rescue bronchodilator first during acute bronchospasm per protocol.
- Teach controller versus rescue inhaler difference.
Complications
- Status asthmaticus
- Respiratory failure
- Pneumothorax
NCLEX cues
- Silent chest is worse than wheezing.
- Tripod, accessory muscles, cannot speak full sentences.
Memory hooks
- No wheeze can mean no air movement.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.