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Asthma Nursing Care Plan & NCLEX Questions​

Asthma Nursing Care Plan & NCLEX Questions

Table of Contents

Asthma Definition

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This makes it difficult to breathe. Asthma can cause a variety of symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

asthma nursing care plan

5 Asthma Nursing Care Plans

Goals:

  • The patient will maintain a patent airway.
  • The patient will exhibit normal respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth.
  • The patient will report decreased shortness of breath.

Interventions:

  • Assess the patient’s respiratory status, including respiratory rate, rhythm, depth, and effort.
  • Auscultate the lungs for adventitious sounds.
  • Monitor the patient’s oxygen saturation.
  • Administer bronchodilators as prescribed.
  • Position the patient in a high-Fowler’s position.
  • Encourage the patient to take slow, deep breaths.
  • Provide emotional support to the patient and family.

Evaluation:

  • The patient’s respiratory status is within normal limits.
  • The patient exhibits normal respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth.
  • The patient reports decreased shortness of breath.

Goals:

  • The patient will maintain adequate oxygenation.
  • The patient will exhibit normal arterial blood gas (ABG) values.
  • The patient will report feeling comfortable.

Interventions:

  • Assess the patient’s respiratory status, including respiratory rate, rhythm, depth, and effort.
  • Auscultate the lungs for adventitious sounds.
  • Monitor the patient’s oxygen saturation.
  • Administer oxygen as prescribed.
  • Position the patient in a high-Fowler’s position.
  • Encourage the patient to take slow, deep breaths.
  • Provide emotional support to the patient and family.

Evaluation:

  • The patient’s respiratory status is within normal limits.
  • The patient’s ABG values are within normal limits.
  • The patient reports feeling comfortable.

Goals:

  • The patient will identify their asthma triggers.
  • The patient will demonstrate how to use their inhaler correctly.
  • The patient will be able to describe the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack.
  • The patient will know what to do if they experience an asthma attack.

Interventions:

  • Teach the patient about their asthma triggers.
  • Teach the patient how to use their inhaler correctly.
  • Teach the patient about the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack.
  • Teach the patient what to do if they experience an asthma attack.

Evaluation:

  • The patient is able to identify their asthma triggers.
  • The patient can demonstrate how to use their inhaler correctly.
  • The patient is able to describe the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack.
  • The patient knows what to do if they experience an asthma attack.

Goals:

  • The patient will report a decrease in anxiety.
  • The patient will be able to relax.
  • The patient will be able to sleep.

Interventions:

  • Assess the patient’s level of anxiety.
  • Provide the patient with a safe and comfortable environment.
  • Encourage the patient to express their feelings.
  • Teach the patient relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
  • Administer medications as prescribed.

Evaluation:

  • The patient reports a decrease in anxiety.
  • The patient is able to relax.
  • The patient is able to sleep.

Goals:

  • The patient will be able to participate in activities of daily living without shortness of breath.
  • The patient will be able to increase their activity level gradually.

Interventions:

  • Assess the patient’s activity tolerance.
  • Encourage the patient to participate in activities that they enjoy.
  • Teach the patient how to pace themselves.
  • Encourage the patient to take breaks when they need them.
  • Administer medications as prescribed.

Evaluation:

  • The patient is able to participate in activities of daily living without shortness of breath.
  • The patient is able to increase their activity level gradually.

3 Asthma NCLEX Practice Questions

1. A patient with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an exacerbation. The nurse is assessing the patient’s respiratory status. Which of the following findings is most indicative of an asthma exacerbation?

(A) Wheezing

(B) Cough

(C) Shortness of breath

(D) Increased respiratory rate

The correct answer is (A). Wheezing is a high-pitched, whistling sound that occurs when air passes through narrowed airways. It is the most common symptom of an asthma exacerbation. Cough, shortness of breath, and increased respiratory rate are also common symptoms of an asthma exacerbation, but wheezing is the most specific.

Here is a brief explanation of the other options:

  • Cough: A cough is a common symptom of asthma, but it is not as specific as wheezing. Coughing can be caused by a variety of conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
  • Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is another common symptom of asthma, but it is not as specific as wheezing. Shortness of breath can be caused by a variety of conditions, including asthma, heart disease, and anemia.
  • Increased respiratory rate: An increased respiratory rate is a sign of respiratory distress. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including asthma, pneumonia, and heart failure.

2. A patient with asthma is prescribed a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

(A) “I will shake the inhaler well before using it.”

(B) “I will hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches away from my mouth.”

(C) “I will breathe in slowly and deeply while I press down on the inhaler.”

(D) “I will wait 1 to 2 minutes between puffs if more than one puff is prescribed.”

The correct answer is (B). The patient should hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches away from their mouth when using it. Holding the inhaler too close to the mouth can make it difficult to get the medication into the lungs.

Here is a brief explanation of the other options:

  • Shaking the inhaler well before using it is correct. This helps to ensure that the medication is evenly distributed throughout the inhaler.
  • Breathing in slowly and deeply while pressing down on the inhaler is also correct. This helps to get the medication into the lungs.
  • Waiting 1 to 2 minutes between puffs if more than one puff is prescribed is also correct. This allows the medication to have time to work.

3. A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol 2 puffs by MDI 4 times daily. The patient reports that the medication is not working as well as it used to. What is the nurse’s best action?

(A) Increase the number of puffs to 6 times daily.

(B) Administer the medication by nebulizer instead of MDI.

(C) Teach the patient how to use a spacer with the MDI.

(D) Contact the prescriber to request a change in medication.

The correct answer is (D). Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator, which means that it works quickly to open the airways. However, it does not have a long-lasting effect. If the patient is reporting that the medication is not working as well as it used to, it is likely that their asthma is getting worse. The nurse should contact the prescriber to request a change in medication to a long-acting bronchodilator.

Here is a brief explanation of the other options:

  • Increasing the number of puffs to 6 times daily is not the best option because it can increase the risk of side effects.
  • Administering the medication by nebulizer instead of MDI is not the best option because it is not as effective as using an MDI with a spacer.
  • Teaching the patient how to use a spacer with the MDI is a good option, but it is not the best option because it will not address the underlying problem, which is that the patient’s asthma is getting worse.

Nursing Care For Asthma Patients

The exact cause of asthma is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Asthma is more common in people with allergies.

There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. The goal of asthma treatment is to control the inflammation and narrowing of the airways so that people with asthma can live normal, active lives.

Asthma treatment typically includes the following:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids: These medications help to reduce inflammation in the airways.
  • Long-acting bronchodilators: These medications help to open the airways.
  • Quick-relief inhalers: These medications are used to treat an asthma attack.
  • Allergen avoidance: If allergies are a trigger for asthma, it is important to avoid the allergens as much as possible.
  • Lifestyle changes: Other lifestyle changes that can help to manage asthma include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

With proper treatment, most people with asthma can live normal, active lives. However, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack and to seek medical attention immediately if an attack occurs.

Here are some additional information about asthma:

  • Asthma is a common condition, affecting up to 10% of adults and 20% of children in the United States.
  • Asthma can occur at any age, but it is most common in children and young adults.
  • Asthma can be triggered by a variety of things, including allergens, cold air, exercise, and stress.
  • Asthma can be a serious condition, but it can be managed with proper treatment.

If you think you or your child may have asthma, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Nursing Assessment

When assessing a patient with asthma, the nurse should focus on the following:

  • History of asthma: The nurse should ask the patient about their symptoms, triggers, and previous treatments.
  • Respiratory status: The nurse should assess the patient’s respiratory rate, rhythm, depth, and effort.
  • Oxygen saturation: The nurse should check the patient’s oxygen saturation to assess their level of oxygenation.
  • Allergies: The nurse should ask the patient about their allergies and how they are managed.
  • Medications: The nurse should review the patient’s medications and make sure they are taking them as prescribed.

Nursing Interventions

The nurse’s interventions for a patient with asthma will vary depending on the severity of their asthma. However, some common interventions include:

  • Administering medications: The nurse may need to administer medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators, to help control the patient’s asthma.
  • Monitoring respiratory status: The nurse should monitor the patient’s respiratory status closely to assess their response to treatment.
  • Teaching the patient about asthma: The nurse should teach the patient about their asthma, including its symptoms, triggers, and treatment.
  • Providing emotional support: The nurse should provide emotional support to the patient and their family.

Nursing Outcomes

The desired outcomes for a patient with asthma include:

  • The patient will have improved respiratory status.
  • The patient will be able to manage their asthma effectively.
  • The patient will be able to live a normal, active life.