NURSING INTERVENTIONS:
¨ Give psychological
support to the patient and his/her family .
¨ Assess vital signs
every hour when patient is in distress.
¨ Note color changes
(lips, bucal mucosa, nail beds).
¨ Administer medications
as ordered: IV fluids, IV Theophylline may be ordered for severe attacks,
steroids, and others.
¨ Keep head of bed
elevated to allow for adequate lung excursion and chest expansion
¨ Assess whether
medication used for treatments is effectively relieving symptoms leading to
distress.
¨ Auscultate lungs
for early detection and correction of abnormalities.
¨ Assess for
dyspnea, use of accessory muscles, coastal retractions, and flaring of the
nares.
¨ Give humidified
oxygen as ordered.
¨ Maintain patient
airway.
¨ Encourage oral
fluid intake by providing water.
¨ Observe the signs
of dehydration.
¨ Keep the patient
as calm as possible. Anxiety during an asthma attack can further potenciate the
exacerbation
¨ Encourage patient
to cough, especially after treatments.
¨ Assess color and
amount of urine because concentrated urine denotes fluid deficit.
¨ Explain the
importance of remaining as calm as possible.
¨ Provide
diversional activities.
¨ Allow family to
remain with patient if possible.
¨ Provide prevented
care such as:
. Home management
of acute attacks.
. Reinforce need
for taking prescribed medications as ordered to minimize distress.
¨ Offer a good
sanitary education in relation with the disease.
¨ Teach good health
habits.
¨ Teach the family
how to administer respiratory treatments, respiratory physiotherapy, and
inhalers.