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Health Assessment Case Study Asthma

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Health Assessment Case Study

Introduction
The focus of this case study is to examine further focused assessments that should be undertaken after Mr S's initial presentation of acute exacerbation of asthma. Reasoning for recommended focused assessments will be discussed with consideration of Mr S's presentation of symptoms, history, pathophysiology and risk factors for asthma exacerbation. Research on current asthma assessment protocols will guide recommendations, and assessment parameters will be described. Follow up care and self-management options for Mr S will also be explored.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. It is characterised by airflow obstruction and lung inflammation (Johnson, 2010). Asthma symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and cough (Johnson, 2010). Potential triggers for asthma include allergens, viral respiratory infections, irritants, stimuli such as cold air or exercise and gastro-oesophageal reflux (Estes et al, 2013).
Airway obstruction in asthmatics is variable and reversible. However poorly managed asthma can leave lasting structural changes in the cells and tissues of the lower respiratory tract, resulting in airway remodelling and permanent fibrotic damage (Kaufman, 2011). There is currently no cure for asthma, therefore the disease needs to be managed (NACA, 2014).
Pathophysiology and assessment parameters
It is important to understand the underlying pathophysiology of Mr Saunders’ presentation to fully appreciate the meaning of clinical values and assessment parameters. This ensures that meaningful clinical care recommendations can be made (Estes et al, 2013).
Oxygen is delivered to the body via the lungs and into the blood through breathing. Airway inflammation and obstruction restricts the amount of oxygen being delivered to the body, and will therefore decrease the level of oxygen in arterial blood. In response to respiratory distress, respiratory control centres in the brain will be stimulated by chemoreceptors, which will stimulate the muscles of respiration, giving rise to breathlessness (Chellel, 2010).
Oxygen saturation rate (SaO2) is the amount of oxygen bound to the haemoglobin molecule. It indicates the level of oxygen present in arterial blood (oxford resp chptr). The normal range value of SaO2 is >95% (Estes et al, 2013).
The normal respiratory rate in a resting adult is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Tachypnoea is an increased respiratory rate, greater than 20 breaths per minute. An increased respiratory rate indicates that the body requires more oxygen (Estes et al, 2013, p.426). When the body is struggling to get sufficient air the accessory muscles may be recruited (Chellel, 2010). Use of accessory muscles to assist breathing is often visible through strain in the neck.
A wheeze is an adventitious, or abnormal breath sound that can be heard on auscultation. It is a whistling, high pitched sound that predominantly occurs on exhalation. This sound is produced by air passing through narrowed or obstructed bronchus. It is a typical symptom of asthma (Yates, 2013).
Initial assessment of Mr Saunders
The initial respiratory assessment of Mr S indicated that he was experiencing a severe acute exacerbation of Asthma (NACA, 2014). An acute asthma flare-up is categorised as ‘severe’ if the patient presents with any of the following: pulse oximetry of 90-94%, respiratory rate of over 25 breaths per minute, use of accessory muscles when breathing, audible wheeze, difficulty completing sentences in one breath due to dyspnoea and visible signs of respiratory distress (NACA, 2014).
Mr S's vital statistics show oxygen saturation of 90%, respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute and blood pressure at 140/70. He has a widespread wheeze on auscultation, appears flushed, speaking in short sentences and shows moderate use of accessory muscles in breathing. Mr S's other clinically relevant information include seasonal nature of symptoms and childhood history of asthma, which are indicative of allergic sensitivity (Yates, 2013). Immediate medical treatment is required in the case of a severe acute asthma flare-up (Yates, 2013).
Focused assessment
A focused nursing assessment is carried out with specific emphasis on a particular health problem (Luxford, 2013, p.216). In Mr Saunders’ case, his exacerbation of asthma requires that focused respiratory assessment be undertaken. Data collected should be relevant to Mr S's acute exacerbation of asthma to be useful, so critical decisions need to be made about which further assessments to undertake (Luxford, 2013).
Mr S will require ongoing assessments to determine the severity and level of control he has of his asthma. Peak flow meter assessment and spirometry assessment will determine the severity of his asthma, and guide further recommendations for asthma management.
Spirometry
Spirometry assessment is an objective measure of lung volume and airflow. It is a good tool to measure airflow obstruction and reversibility (Kaufman, 2011). To perform spirometry the patient begins by taking a full inhalation, followed by a full forced exhalation, known as forced vital capacity (FVC). The volume of air exhaled during the first second of the forced exhalation is known as forced expiratory volume (FEV1) (Johnson, 2010). Cooperation and effort is required, as three full breaths are required before calculating results
These values are calculated as a percentage of the predicted values, which will vary depending upon Mr S's age, height, weight, sex and ethnicity. The actual calculated percentage values are then measured against the predicted values. Normal value range for FVC and FEV1 should fall between 80% and 120% of the predicted values, and absolute FEV1/FVC ratio should be within 5% of the predicted ratio (Johnson, 2010). A low ratio of FEV1/FVC suggests airway obstruction and a reduced FVC is indicative of restrictive airways (Kaufman, 2011).
Peak expiratory flow measurement
A peak expiratory flow (PEF) meter is used to test lung function. It measures the maximum flow of air from a forced expiration (Kaufman, 2011). It is an important tool to monitor asthma symptom variability and is relatively easy to use. The patient performs a PEF measure by forcibly exhaling into the mouthpiece of the PEF device. PEF values are calculated according to the patients’ gender, age, height and ethnicity (Chellel, 2010).
A PEF meter can be used as part of a self-management plan, in which the patient monitors and records their own PEF values in a peak flow diary at home. PEF should be measured in the morning and at night, and symptoms and triggers should also be documented in the diary. Daily variations and lower PEF readings in the mornings are more pronounced in asthmatics (Kaufman, 2011). Changes in PEF detect risk of acute onset of symptoms. If PEF readings vary by 20% or more it indicates significant variability, which requires further asthma management measures to gain control of symptoms (Kaufman, 2011).
Risk factors and recommendations for further assessments
The fact that Mr S has been admitted to hospital with an asthma flare-up means that he is at an increased risk of life threatening asthma (NACA, 2014). The seasonal spring worsening of his symptoms indicate suspected sensitivity to pollen allergens. He is at risk of further asthma flare-up due to his recent poor control of asthma symptoms, current poor lung function, living alone and his difficulty in perceiving his airflow limitations and severity of his exacerbations (Yates, 2013). Mr S has struggled with asthma since childhood and has a history of poor symptom management. As a result he may be at risk of pulmonary fibrosis (Kaufman, 2011). A chest x-ray can determine whether he shows signs of airway remodelling (Kaufman 2011). An IgE blood test to measure raised eosinophilia may be useful in identifying Mr S's level of allergic sensitivity (NACA, 2014).
Asthma action plan and self-management
When collaborating with Mr S it is important to appreciate that he has a hearing impairment. Ensure that Mr S is wearing his hearing aids when attending consultation. Directly face him when communicating, speak clearly and gain confirmation that he understands. Good communication and rapport will enhance his care outcome (Luxford, 2013).
Effective self-management is paramount to control asthma symptoms. Education, information, skills as tools for self-management should be provided. Training on correct inhaler technique and the use of a spacer will enhance the effectiveness of medication and improve adherence to medication use (Johnson, 2010). Mr S indicated that his asthma symptoms are worse in spring and are triggered by wind. Advise on ways to reduce allergens and avoid triggers to control symptoms. Lifestyle advice on diet, exercise, smoking and immunisation should be included.
An asthma action plan should be drawn in collaboration with Mr S. It is recommended that he should monitor and record his PEF readings in a diary, and note symptoms and triggers (NACA, 2014). This can help to increase his perception and awareness of his symptoms, since initial assessment indicated that he may have difficulty perceiving the severity of his asthma symptoms. Mr S should be regularly monitored by his health care provider, and his asthma action plan should be adjusted according to his progression (Yates, 2013).
Conclusion
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs that cannot be cured. It requires monitoring and management of symptoms. After initial assessment of a patient suffering acute asthma, focussed assessments such as spirometry and PEF are recommended to measure lung function and severity of the asthma presentation. This will determine the next steps for asthma management. Consideration needs to be given for risk factors and barriers to effective asthma control. These can be addressed through further investigation, education, and collaboration with a health care provider when drawing an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is an essential tool for ongoing management, and should be utilised by all asthma sufferers.

References

Chellel, A. (2010). Respiratory assessment and care. doi: 10.1093/med/9780199564385.003.002.
Estes, M.E.Z., Calleja, P., Theobald, K., & Harvey, T. (2013). Health assessment & physical examination (Australian and New Zealand ed.). South Melbourne, Victoria: Cengage Learning Australia.
Luxford, Y. (2013). Assessing. In Berman, A., Snyder, S.J., Levett-Jones, T., Dwyer, T., Hales, M., Harvey, N., Luxford, Y., Moxham, L., Park, T., Parker, T., Reid-Searl, K., & Stanley, D (Eds.), Kozier and Erb’s fundamentals of nursing (2nd Australian ed.). (pp. 212-232). Frenchs forest, NSW: Pearson Australia.
Johnson, A. (2010). Asthma assessment tips. Journal of Nurse Practitioners, 6(5), 383-384. doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2010.02.001
Kaufman, G. (2011). Asthma: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. Nursing Standard, 26(5), 48-56. Retrieved from http://www.journals.rcni.com.ezproxy1.acu.edu.au/toc/ns/26/5
National Asthma Council Australia. (2014). Australian asthma handbook –quick reference guide. Retrieved from http://www.asthmahandbook.org.au
Yates, C. (2013). Assessing asthma control: an evidence-based approach to improve skills and outcomes. The Nurse Practitioner, 38(6), 40-47. doi: 10.1097/01.NPR.0000428815.72503.92

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