Pathophysiology, Nursing Interventions and Mode of Action of Drugs for Asthma

Running head: HEALTH VARIATION 3
HEALTH VARIATION 3
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1HEALTH VARIATION 3
Question 1: Pathophysiology:
Asthma is defined as the condition in which excessive mucus is produced by the lungs
which results in the narrowing of the air passages of the lungs hence creates breathing problem
(Fergeson, Patel & Lockey, 2017). In addition to breathing problem other symptoms such as
wheezing and coughing are also developed. It has been reported that asthma leads to minor
nuisance in some cases whereas, in some severe cases it may lead to life threatening situation
(Grosso et al., 2018). Research has indicated that severe acute asthma cannot be cured
completely, however, the symptoms could be managed with effective nursing interventions
(Arabkhazaeli et al., 2017). In this scenario, the patient Jackson has been diagnosed with asthma
at childhood (age-2years) and due to lack of management the condition has developed to the
severe stage. The patient has been found to be suffering from severe dyspnea or breathlessness.
(Boulet, 2017) has reported that dyspnea is one of the common consequences of asthma,
however, it may occur due to other medical conditions as well. Such symptoms mainly develops
due to the narrowing of the airways of lungs. Such symptom may develop for a short time, while
in severe acute asthma the symptom may lead to prolong suffering and chronic condition as well
(Fergeson, Patel & Lockey, 2017).
In addition Jackson has been presented with high BP such as 150/85 and high respiratory
rate as well (32 breaths per minute). Less partial pressure of oxygen (60 mmHg, normal range
75-100 mmHg) and high partial pressure of carbon dioxide (50 mmHg, normal range 38-42
mmHg) has been reported in the blood gas test of the patient. Hence, it can be demonstrated that
the patient has been suffering from poor oxygen intake (Boulet, 2017). As mentioned before, in
case of asthma, the air ways of lungs become narrow which limited the oxygen intake, hence the
patient suffers from breathing problem. In such condition the heart needs to compensate, thus the

2HEALTH VARIATION 3
heart started to work harder which leads to the consequence of high BP and increase in
respiratory rate as well (Grosso et al., 2018). Furthermore, the case study has reported that,
Jackson was unable to speak a complete sentence in one breath. Research has indicated that it is
required to present adequate amount of oxygen in lungs in order to speak a complete sentence in
one breath. In case of asthma, due to narrowing of airways of lungs the patient become unable to
intake adequate amount of oxygen hence, fails to speak a complete sentence in one breath
(Fergeson, Patel & Lockey, 2017). In addition, such poor oxygen supply also leads to the
development of hypoxia as well (Grosso et al., 2018).
Furthermore, in case of Jackson, diminished breath sound and wide spread wheezing is
also identified during assessment. Research has considered diminished breath sound and wide
spread wheezing as common consequences of severe acute asthma. The combination of
production of excessive mucus with tightening and swelling of muscle results in narrow air ways
in the lungs which leads to the development of such symptoms in case of asthma (Arabkhazaeli
et al., 2017). On the other hand, the x-ray report of Jackson has represented the hyper-inflated
lungs. (Fergeson, Patel & Lockey, 2017) has reported that the blockage of air passages trapped
the air in lungs, thus, air could enter the lungs but it cannot escape which results in the
overinflated lungs. Such condition may occur due to excessive production of mucus which
interfere with the air expulsion and leads to the consequence of hyper-inflated lungs as well. This
is another risk factor that results in wide spread wheezing, diminished breathing sound and
breathlessness (Grosso et al., 2018). Research has reported about various risk factors that
contributes to the development of asthma. Such factors include, past history of respiratory
diseases such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, family history of asthma or other respiratory
disorder, exposure to pollens, pet dander or chemical, workplace irritants and other allergic