A 10-year-old girl is diagnosed with acute asthma. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates a need for additional home care teaching?

Explanation

• Additional teaching is needed if the family states that the child with asthma should avoid exercise to prevent attacks. Children with asthma should be encouraged to exercise as tolerated. If exercise induces asthma exacerbations, then a short-acting beta-agonist should be used 15 minutes before exercise.

• Asthma is a chronic, obstructive airway disease characterized by paroxysmal and reversible obstruction of the airways (bronchoconstriction) caused by inflammation and bronchial hyper-responsiveness to environmental stimuli.

• Acute asthma involves both bronchospasm (which narrows the airways) and excessive production of secretions (which plugs the airways).

• Identifying triggers, using a bronchodilator before a steroid inhaler, and increasing fluid intake are appropriate measures for asthma management.

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!