7. Nurse Martinez springs into action as Alicia is brought into the emergency department, experiencing a severe and prolonged asthma attack that isn't responding to the standard treatment. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Nurse Martinez recognizes this critical condition. What term does Nurse Martinez use to describe Alicia's severe and unresponsive asthma condition?
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EXPLANATION
✔Correct answer:
Status asthmaticus. Explanation and Reasoning: Status asthmaticus is the term used to describe a severe, life-threatening asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatments, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids. This condition requires immediate medical intervention as it can lead to respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly. Patients experiencing status asthmaticus may present with symptoms such as severe dyspnea, cyanosis, and a lack of wheezing due to minimal air movement in the lungs.
Imagine a clogged drain that won't clear despite using a plunger and drain cleaner. This persistent blockage requires professional intervention to prevent flooding. Similarly, in status asthmaticus, the airways are so constricted that standard asthma treatments are ineffective, necessitating urgent medical care to prevent serious complications.
In status asthmaticus, the airways undergo severe bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and mucus production. This combination leads to significant airway obstruction, making it extremely difficult for the patient to breathe. The prolonged lack of adequate airflow can result in hypoxia and hypercapnia, leading to respiratory acidosis and potentially respiratory arrest. Intensive care, including the use of mechanical ventilation, may be necessary to stabilize the patient.
✘Incorrect answer options:
Reactive airway disease. This term is a nonspecific diagnosis that describes airway hyperreactivity but does not specifically refer to severe, unresponsive asthma attacks. It is often used as a preliminary diagnosis before confirming asthma or other conditions.
Intrinsic asthma. Intrinsic asthma, also known as non-allergic asthma, is triggered by non-allergenic factors such as stress, exercise, or infections. While intrinsic asthma can lead to severe attacks, it does not specifically describe the severe, unresponsive nature of status asthmaticus.
Extrinsic asthma. Extrinsic asthma, also known as allergic asthma, is triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Similar to intrinsic asthma, it can cause severe asthma attacks but does not define the critical, unresponsive condition seen in status asthmaticus.
References
- Gershwin, M. E., & Albertson, T. E. (2018). *Bronchial Asthma: A Guide for Practical Understanding and Treatment* (5th ed.). New York, NY: Springer.
- Lewis, S. L., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M. M., & Harding, M. M. (2019). *Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems* (11th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.