Essentials Of Pathophysiology

Module 08 Content

1. J.S. is a 42-year-old man who lives in the Midwest and is highly allergic to dust and pollen and has a history of mild asthma. J.S’s wife drove him to the emergency room when his wheezing was unresponsive to his fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) inhaler. J.S. was unable to lie down, and began to use accessory muscles to breathe. J.S. is immediately started on 4 L oxygen by nasal cannula and intravenous (IV) D5W at 75 mL/hr. A set of arterial blood gases is sent to the laboratory. J.S. appears anxious and says that he is short of breath.

   Vital signs
   BP = 152/84           HR = 124 bpm                  RR = 42       Temp = 100.40F
   ABGs
   pH = 7.31              PaCO2 = 48            HCO3 = 26   PaO2 = 55

   Instructions:
   Investigate the condition of asthma and the manifestations of the disease. Analyze the case study provided and determine what symptoms support the diagnosis of asthma. Complete this assignment by outlining the causes of asthma, the symptoms that the client presents and the management of the disorder using the attached document. Identify the treatment provided in the emergency department and determine what additional therapies are needed to mitigate the asthma symptoms and return the client to wellness.

   1. Do you have any concerns with the numbers above?
   2. Identify what may be causing J.S. to have an exacerbation of asthma.