Rapid Prep NCLEX Review Course Archer Review

Pathophysiology 1. Airway is abnormally reactive - heightened sensitivity 2. Trigger causes a response 3. Inflammation and excess mucus production occur 4. Bronchospasm decreases the airway diameter 5. Airflow becomes obstructed After many asthma reactions, airway remodeling occurs which causes scarring and changes to lung tissue. Diagnosis ● Spirometry ○ Assesses lung function ○ Measures how much air is inhaled, exhaled, and how quickly it is exhaled ○ Done every year to assess progress and treatment response ● Peak Flow Meter ○ Evaluates the amount of air that can be exhaled in 1 second ○ Baseline established when the child is healthy ○ Used to assess the severity of the asthma exacerbation ■ Green = good - 80-100% of personal best ■ Yellow = caution - 50-70% of personal best ■ Red = emergency - <50% of personal best