Guided Questions

Question 1. (500 words) (Learning outcomes 1 and 2)
In a severe acute exacerbation of asthma explain the pathogenesis that results in widespread expiratory wheezes and dyspnoea.

Question 2. (200 words) (Learning outcome 3)
Discuss two high priority nursing strategies used to manage a child with a severe acute exacerbation of asthma and provide rationales for these strategies.

Question 3. (300 words) (Learning outcome 3)
To manage a severe acute exacerbation of asthma in a child continuous nebulised salbutamol is given. Three doses of ipratropium is added to the nebuliser at 20 minute intervals.

a) Discuss the mode of action of each of these drugs (salbutamol and ipratropium) relating to the underlying pathogenesis.

b) Relating your answer to the pharmacology of the two drugs, discuss nursing implications including how you will monitor and respond to adverse effects and how you will evaluate the therapeutic effect.