Asthma Nursing Diagnosis

Asthma Nursing Diagnosis

Nursing Care Plan: Asthma

By: Anna Curran, RN, BSN, PHN

1. Definition

Chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness, reversible airflow obstruction, and recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

2. Basic Assessment

  • Assess respiratory status: rate, depth, use of accessory muscles
  • Auscultate lung sounds for wheezing, diminished breath sounds
  • Monitor peak flow measurements and oxygen saturation
  • Evaluate triggers and early warning signs of exacerbation

3. Desired Outcomes

  • Patient maintains patent airway and adequate oxygenation
  • Patient demonstrates effective breathing techniques
  • Patient identifies and avoids personal triggers
  • Patient demonstrates proper inhaler technique
  • Patient verbalizes understanding of action/management plan

4. Nursing Diagnoses

  • Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to bronchoconstriction
  • Risk for Ineffective Airway Clearance related to increased mucus production
  • Activity Intolerance related to imbalance between oxygen supply and demand
  • Anxiety related to dyspnea and hypoxia
  • Deficient Knowledge related to medication administration

5. Nursing Interventions with Rationales

  1. Bronchodilator and corticosteroid administration
    • Rationale: Reduces inflammation and bronchospasm
  2. Position for optimal lung expansion
    • Rationale: Improves ventilation and reduces work of breathing
  3. Teach pursed-lip breathing
    • Rationale: Prevents airway collapse and reduces air trapping
  4. Implement trigger avoidance strategies
    • Rationale: Prevents exacerbations
  5. Demonstrate proper inhaler technique
    • Rationale: Ensures medication effectiveness

6. Patient Evaluations

  • Monitor peak flow readings
  • Track frequency of rescue inhaler use
  • Assess respiratory status improvements
  • Document medication effectiveness

7. Critical Nursing Tips

  • Know signs of impending respiratory failure
  • Remember spacer importance with MDIs
  • Monitor for steroid side effects
  • Sequence bronchodilators before steroids
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