course materials

1. Assignment: Asthma – My Nursing Assignment
Complications of asthma can be sudden. Consider the case of Bradley Wilson, a young boy
who had several medical conditions. He appeared in good health when he went to school,
returned home, and ate dinner. However, when he later went outside to play, he came back
inside wheezing. An ambulance took him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead
(Briscoe, 2012). In another case, 10-year-old Dynasty Reese, who had mild asthma, woke up
in the middle of the night and ran to her grandfather’s bedroom to tell him she couldn’t
breathe. By the time paramedics arrived, she had passed out and was pronounced dead at
the hospital (Glissman, 2012). These situations continue to outline the importance of
recognizing symptoms of asthma and providing immediate treatment, as well as
distinguishing minor symptoms from serious, life-threatening symptoms. Since these
symptoms and attacks are often induced by a trigger, as an advanced practice nurse, you
must be able to help patients identify their triggers and recommend appropriate treatment
options. For this reason, you need to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of
chronic asthma and acute asthma exacerbation.To Prepare Review “Asthma” in chapter 27
of Huether and McCance text. Identify the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic
asthma and acute asthma exacerbation. Consider how these disorders are similar and
different. Select a patient factor different from the one you selected in this week’s
Discussion: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Think about how the factor you
selected might impact the pathophysiology of both disorders. Reflect on how you would
diagnose and prescribe treatment of these disorders for a patient based on the factor you
selected. Review the “Mind maps—Dementia, Endocarditis, and Gastro-oesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD)” media in the Week 2 Learning Resources. Use the examples in the media as
a guide to construct two mind maps—one for chronic asthma and one for acute asthma
exacerbation. Consider the epidemiology and clinical presentation of both chronic asthma
and acute asthma exacerbation.To CompleteWrite a 2- to 3-page paper that addresses the
following: Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic asthma and acute
asthma exacerbation. Be sure to explain the changes in the arterial blood gas patterns
during an exacerbation. Explain how the factor you selected might impact the
pathophysiology of both disorders. Describe how you would diagnose and prescribe
treatment for a patient based on the factor you selected. Construct two mind maps—one
for chronic asthma and one for acute asthma exacerbation. Include the epidemiology,
pathophysiology, and clinical presentation, as well as the diagnosis and treatment you
explained in your paper. 3 to 4 references within 5 years