Case Study, Chapter 22, Management of Patients With Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders
Marge North a 55-year-old patient is highly allergic to dust and pollen; anxiety appears to play a role in exacerbating his asthma attacks. Her husband drove M.N. to the hospital when her wheezing was unresponsive to beclomethasone (Canceril) and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) inhalers. Upons arrival, her VS are 152/84, 124, 42 100.4°F. M.N. is started on 4 L O2/nc, an IV of D5W at KVO, and ABGs were pH 7.31, PaCO2 48mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L, PaO2 55 mm Hg, SaO2 86%.
(Learning Objective 5)
1. Identify pathophysiologic responses during an asthma attack
2. What is the rational for immediately starting M.N. on oxygen?
3. Using the nursing process as a framework, discuss the care the patient will need. (Use at least two priority nursing diagnoses in your framework and please address patient teaching)
4. M.N's husband asks about the possibility of M.N. having another attack. How would you respond? What education will you provide?