NCLEX PN 209_NURSING PN 2 FINAL EXAM REVIEW GUIDE

Respiratory -S/S of asthma ATI p 125-127, Med-Surg p 900 EXPECTED FINDINGS ●● Dyspnea ●● Chest tightness ●● Anxiety or stress PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT FINDINGS ●● Coughing ●● Wheezing ●● Mucus production ●● Use of accessory muscles ●● Prolonged exhalation ●● Poor oxygen saturation (low SaO2) ●● Barrel chest or increased chest diameter Obtain history regarding current and previous asthma exacerbations. ●● Onset and duration ●● Precipitating factors (stress, exercise, exposure to irritant) ●● Changes in medication regimen ●● Medications that relieve symptoms ●● Other medications taken ●● Self-care methods used to relieve symptoms RISK FACTORS ●● Older adult clients have decreased pulmonary reserves due to physiologic lung changes that occur with the aging process. ◯◯ Older adult clients are more susceptible to infections. ◯◯ The sensitivity of beta-adrenergic receptors decreases with age. As the beta receptors age and lose sensitivity, they are less able to respond to agonists, which relax smooth muscle and can result in bronchospasms. ●● Family history of asthma ●● Smoking ●● Secondhand smoke exposure ●● Environmental allergies ●● Exposure to chemical irritants or dust ●● Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)