Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and cough. Asthma has a highly different pathophysiology; both environmental and genetic factors cause airway hyperreactivity and obstruction. Therefore, a correct nursing diagnosis for bronchial asthma and management by a nursing professional becomes necessary in ensuring appropriate patient care and improving the quality of life.
This article contains the latest information concerning nursing diagnosis related to bronchial asthma, in view of the following concerns: its importance, some nursing diagnoses, and their respective interventions.
Overview of Bronchial Asthma
Indeed, it is necessary to understand the basics about bronchial asthma before addressing nursing diagnosis. No doubt, this medical condition affects the life of millions worldwide and can begin at any point in a person’s lifetime. Furthermore, the causes of asthma range from allergies to infections of the respiratory system. Also, the physical activities that involve exhaustive exercises, cold air, and even stress can be the cause of this illness.
The asthmatic response includes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes with enhanced production and secretion of mucus, and airway edema. Finally obstructed airflow into the lungs and a resultant effect being distressed breathing.
Importance of Nursing Diagnosis in Bronchial Asthma Management
Furthermore, perfect nursing diagnosis of asthma is also necessary in formulating treatment plans that will be specific to the patient with bronchial asthma. A well defined nursing diagnosis enables a health professional to recognize particular needs, apply particular actions, and allow further assessment of implemented treatments.
Furthermore, nursing diagnoses communicate effectively among different multidisciplinary health professionals and provide compliance with evidence based practice. In asthma patients, proper and timely nursing diagnosis ensures that exacerbation is reduced and complications arising from the disease are averted. Also, ensure successful long term health care outcomes.
Common Nursing Diagnosis for Bronchial Asthma
The nursing diagnosis for bronchial asthma is formulated based on a scheme from NANDA International. The list of commonly identified nursing diagnoses about bronchial asthma includes but is not limited to the following:
- Ineffective Airway Clearance
It involves inability to clear the respiratory airway.
Related Factors: The excessive secretion of mucus, bronchoconstriction, and ineffective cough reflex.
Symptoms: Labored breathing, wheezing, coughing, and abnormal lung sounds.
- Impaired Gas Exchange
No doubt, it creates great difficulty in breathing and the exchange of gas is at a low level.
Related Factors: Inflammation in the passages of bronchial ways causing obstruction and reducing ventilation.
Symptoms: Dyspnea, cyanosis, tachypnea, and alteration of arterial blood gas.
- Ineffective Breathing Pattern
Furthermore, it is the change in breathing pattern such that the patient is not able to take sufficient oxygen in.
Related Factors: Anxiety, pain, fatigue, or respiratory muscle fatigue secondary to increased work of breathing
Symptoms: Tachypnea or shallow breathing, prolonged exhalation, and use of accessory muscles to breathe.
- Anxiety
Moreover, apprehension or concern about a potential threat to biopsychosocial integrity that may compromise respiratory function.
Related Factors: Fear of the inability to breathe or previous asthma attacks.
Symptoms: Restlessness, increased heart rate, hyperventilation, and verbal expressions of anxiety.
- Knowledge Deficit
It involves lack of cognitive information about asthma management.
Related Factors: Never having been exposed to education about asthma triggers and medication adherence or self monitoring skills.
Symptoms: Inability to describe the use or purpose of medications. Also, it includes lack of understanding regarding knowledge related to avoidance of triggers, or improper technique in the use of inhalers.
Nursing Interventions & Management Strategies
After a nursing diagnosis has been established, proper interventions have to be carried out to alleviate the identified problems. Some of the evidence based nursing interventions helpful for a patient with bronchial asthma are mentioned below:
- Airway Clearance Techniques
There is no doubt that such techniques encourage fluids to liquefy mucous secretions. Therefore, the nurses teach and encourage proper coughing techniques that promote the mobilization of secretions.
- Respiratory Monitoring
Furthermore, the nurses monitor the frequency, rhythm and effort of respiration frequently. Also, nurses measure peak flow rates using a peak flow meter to assess airway functioning. Additionally, they refer the patient to a respiratory therapist for further specific assessment and interventions.
- AnxietyReducing Interventions
Moreover such intervention offer the necessary emotional support and reassurance to reduce anxiety of the patient. Nurses should teach relaxation techniques, including deep breathing exercises and visualization. Also, allow the patient to verbalize their fears and concerns so they will be free to communicate.
- Patient Education
Nurses develop an individualized education plan that pinpoints specific knowledge gaps. They also educate them regarding the proper use of inhalers and nebulizers. In addition to this, also educate patients regarding specific early symptoms that show the beginning of an asthma exacerbation and how to seek medical help about it. Moreover, they review asthma action plan with patients, emphasizing daily monitoring and medication compliance.
Conclusion
The nursing diagnosis for bronchial asthma is one of the core features in effecting proper nursing care for bronchial asthma. It depends on careful assessment and conceptualization of peculiar problems. Afterwards nurses may be able to formulate targeted nursing diagnoses leading to meaningful interventions.
Nurses provide holistic care to persons with bronchial asthma. Moreover, they are helpful in airway clearance, respiratory track monitoring, anxiety reduction, patient education, and management of medications. Due to the dynamic nature of the healthcare environment, diagnosis would be quite instrumental for the nurses in caring and treating their patients with chronic conditions like bronchial asthma.
FAQs
What are common triggers of asthma attacks?
Asthma attacks may be provoked by so many aspects, such as:
- Allergens: pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander, etc.
- Air pollutants: tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, etc.
- Respiratory infections: colds, flu, etc.
- Physical activity especially in cold and dry air.
- Strong emotions, stress, etc.
How do patients efficiently manage their asthma?
Efficient management of asthma is performed by:
- Regular use of medications particularly of the inhaled variety such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
- Develop an asthma action plan with a health professional.
- Avoid known triggers.
- Monitor symptoms and peak flow regularly.
When should patients seek emergency care?
The patients should immediately seek medical care for the following:
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Unrelenting wheezing or coughing.
- Blue lips or face (cyanosis).
- Males can’t talk in full sentences because of breathlessness.
