NANDA for Asthma: Comprehensive Overview

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by airways’ inflammation, recurrent episodes of bronchoconstriction and mucus production, typically in excess. It is one of the most common and widespread diseases; there are nearly 300 million patients worldwide. Due to the complexity, effective nursing care becomes necessary for it. In such cases, the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, abbreviated as NANDA, is guiding the nursing practice.

In this article we will provide an in-depth analysis of NANDA for asthma. Therefore, it involves nursing diagnoses applicable for the disease, nursing interventions, and evaluation of nursing care plans for asthma.

Understanding NANDA & Its Relevance to Asthma Care

NANDA International (NANDA-I) is a well-established organization that aims to standardize the definition and articulation of nursing treatments to enhance the uniformity and potential reception of nursing care worldwide. NANDA diagnoses are the shared language of nursing. 

Therefore, it makes it easier for communication and also aids in appreciated decisions of patient care. In asthma management, NANDA-I caters to imperative structures that aid in determining the complexities of the problems involved.

NANDA Nursing Diagnosis for Asthma

For asthma care, there exist numerous NANDA nursing diagnoses. The following would include some important nursing diagnoses to consider for the patient with asthma:

1. Ineffective Airway Clearance: The inability of the patient’s secretions to be expelled or the obstruction from the respiratory tract. An asthma exacerbation is associated with increased mucus production, thus making the clearance of the airways a very high priority.

2. Impaired Gas Exchange: Asthma can lead to reduced oxygenation related to bronchoconstriction and bronchospasm. It is the most important diagnosis in patients that show symptoms such as tachypnea or hypoxia.

3. Anxiety: Furthermore, the asthma symptoms can cause high levels of anxiety or even panic in patients, due to experience of dyspnea and fear of aggravation. Add this psychosocial diagnosis in the nursing care plan for asthma.

4. Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose Level: Some of the asthma medications, especially the systemic corticosteroids, can alter glucose metabolism. The patient requires a risk assessment for abnormal blood glucose levels.

5. Knowledge Deficit: Asthma management involves educating the patient about the use of medications, triggers and self-management. It is important to provide sufficient knowledge because the patient cannot gain control over asthma if suffering from lack of knowledge.

Determining Nursing Interventions

Each of the NANDA nursing diagnoses listed above determines definite nursing interventions that are designed to increase patient outcomes. Following are some nursing interventions based on each of the NANDA for asthma diagnosis:

1. Nursing Interventions for Ineffective Airway Clearance

• Provide Breathing Techniques: Instruct the patient on how to perform the diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing exercise to promote the effective clearing of the airway.
• Substitute Bronchodilators as ordered: SABAs can be administered to relieve the bronchospasm and to establish the passage of an airway.
• Encourage Coughing and Deep Breathing: Care plan for asthma will also teach techniques to promote maximal lung inflation and clearance of secretions.

2. Nursing Interventions for Impaired Gas Exchange

• Monitoring Respiratory Status: Monitor the rate, depth, and breathing pattern; and pulse oximetry to assess the oxygen saturation rate.
• High-Fowler’s Position: Place the client in a high-Fowler’s position to increase lung expansion and facilitate breathing.
• Provide Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if saturation is not on acceptable levels, based on the facility protocol.

3. Nursing Interventions for Anxiety

• Emotional Support: Provide reassurance and listen carefully and validate the feeling of the patient.
• Teaching Relaxation: Guidance of mindfulness, meditation, or guided imagery can be infused with the patient so the patient may practice it to maintain the right level of anxiety.
• Recommend Support Groups: As per NANDA for asthma, provide new strategies to some patients in asthma support groups which may reduce their needs to feel isolation. So they can cope with their illness.  

4. Nursing Interventions for Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose Level

• Monitor Glucose Levels: Monitor the glucose levels on a routine basis in a patient who is taking a corticosteroid regimen; also, educate regarding the management of changes in glucose levels. 
• Collaborate with Dietitians Collaborate with dieticians regarding health education so that meal plans are suitable; this can help in avoiding the risk of hyper/hypoglycemia.

5. Nursing Interventions for Knowledge Deficit

• Educate on Trigger Avoidance: Educate the patient on common triggers of asthma and ways of minimizing exposure to one. It is one of the most important parts of the care plan for asthma.
• Drug Management: Educate the patients on how to comply with the pharmacological treatments and how to correctly use inhalants.
• Action Plan: Develop an individualized action plan for asthma related to the daily activities and exacerbation conditions of a patient.

The Bottom Lines

Interpretations of the NANDA nursing diagnoses and execution of appropriate interventions in controlling asthma are very essential. The use of a standardized terminology makes not only the communication clear among professionals but also the care become patient-focused. Good interventions and education in patients will enable them to have good control over symptoms associated with asthma and be in a position to enjoy quality living. In NANDA for asthma, total patient care for asthma should take into account both physical and psychological considerations. 

FAQs

• What are The Indications of an Asthma Attack?

The common signs of this high-risk medical condition are the following: wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing, and giving out words. Severe cases may escalate quickly and require immediate medical attention.

• How frequent are asthma medications supposed to be

Depending on the asthma action plan developed for the person, the frequency of medication use may vary. Short-acting bronchodilators are often on the list are mainly taken when immediate relief of symptoms is needed. Long-term control medications, on the other hand, have to be taken regularly as per the prescription whether symptoms are active or not.

• Are there specific triggers I should avoid?

Yes, triggers can be all-allergens be it pollen, mold, animal dander, tobacco smoke, air pollution, respiratory infections, cold air, and strong.Identifying and avoiding all individual triggers is fundamental in managing asthma symptoms.

• How do I differentiate between asthma and other respiratory illnesses?

Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction, less commonly fixed obstruction, and sometimes a history of atopy. A healthcare professional must be consulted for a thorough assessment if symptoms are uncontrolled or different from the usual.