Asthma Case Study Essay
Case Study
1. Why is his respiratory rate elevated?
Normally we breathe at comfortable rate to maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide at adequate levels, even during exercise. This patient is working hard to breath, has a prolonged expiratory phase due to a wheezing and is starting to build up retained CO2. In order to get rid of the extra CO2, his lungs are working harder by hyperventilating, increasing respiratory rate to blow off all the extra Co2. As his breathing rate increases, more CO2 will be expired and blood levels of CO2 will be lowered.
2. What response might the PNS have in this patient?
Body is trying to maintain homeostasis. However the PNS that keeps the body at rest is working to constrict airway. For this particular patient airway …show more content…
Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid. He was most likely prescribed a high dose, for a short burse for an acute exacerbation of Asthma. This steroid will help calm, minimize and prevent further inflammation of the airways.
5. BRIEFLY explain the pathophysiology of asthma.
Asthma is an obstructive airway disease where airway resistance is increased and inflammation is present. This inflammation and obstruction (narrowing of the airways) result in an increased resistance of expiratory airflow, and expiration is not passive, but need aid from expiratory muscles.
6. Why does this inhaler make the patient have the adverse effect?
When beta 2 receptor agonist (Albuterol) is given, not only does it dilate the bronchioles, it also dilates the vessels of the skeletal muscles, which causes an increase in blood flow. This increase in blood flow is stimulated by alpha and beta 1 receptors. The Sympathetic Nervous System neurotransmitters of norepinepherine and epinephrine stimulate alpha, and beta 1 receptors, making them an agonist and the patient will exhibit agonist effects such as increase HR making patient nervous and
1. Why is his respiratory rate elevated?
Normally we breathe at comfortable rate to maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide at adequate levels, even during exercise. This patient is working hard to breath, has a prolonged expiratory phase due to a wheezing and is starting to build up retained CO2. In order to get rid of the extra CO2, his lungs are working harder by hyperventilating, increasing respiratory rate to blow off all the extra Co2. As his breathing rate increases, more CO2 will be expired and blood levels of CO2 will be lowered.
2. What response might the PNS have in this patient?
Body is trying to maintain homeostasis. However the PNS that keeps the body at rest is working to constrict airway. For this particular patient airway …show more content…
Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid. He was most likely prescribed a high dose, for a short burse for an acute exacerbation of Asthma. This steroid will help calm, minimize and prevent further inflammation of the airways.
5. BRIEFLY explain the pathophysiology of asthma.
Asthma is an obstructive airway disease where airway resistance is increased and inflammation is present. This inflammation and obstruction (narrowing of the airways) result in an increased resistance of expiratory airflow, and expiration is not passive, but need aid from expiratory muscles.
6. Why does this inhaler make the patient have the adverse effect?
When beta 2 receptor agonist (Albuterol) is given, not only does it dilate the bronchioles, it also dilates the vessels of the skeletal muscles, which causes an increase in blood flow. This increase in blood flow is stimulated by alpha and beta 1 receptors. The Sympathetic Nervous System neurotransmitters of norepinepherine and epinephrine stimulate alpha, and beta 1 receptors, making them an agonist and the patient will exhibit agonist effects such as increase HR making patient nervous and