Course Overview
This course is designed to equip Nurse Practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage acute asthma exacerbations in adult patients. Through a comprehensive case study, learners will explore the assessment, medication management, and follow-up care strategies that are essential for managing these potentially life-threatening events.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the pathophysiology of asthma and its exacerbation triggers.
- Perform a thorough assessment of a patient presenting with an acute asthma exacerbation.
- Apply evidence-based pharmacological treatments for managing asthma exacerbations.
- Understand the importance of oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators in acute management.
- Develop a follow-up care plan for asthma patients post-exacerbation.
- Educate patients on asthma self-management and avoidance of triggers.
Course Duration
Total Time: 4 hours
Time Allocation:
- Module 1: Introduction and Pathophysiology (30 minutes)
- Module 2: Acute Assessment and Diagnosis (60 minutes)
- Module 3: Pharmacological Management of Acute Asthma Exacerbation (90 minutes)
- Module 4: Post-Acute Management and Follow-Up Care (30 minutes)
- Quiz and Case Discussion: 30 minutes
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction and Pathophysiology of Acute Asthma Exacerbation
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Introduction to Asthma: Overview of asthma as a chronic inflammatory airway disease and its pathophysiology.
- Pathophysiology of Asthma Exacerbation: Explanation of bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation during exacerbations.
- Key Concepts: Understanding controlled asthma versus acute exacerbation triggers and risk factors.
Learning Activity:
Review the content on the pathophysiology of asthma and its exacerbation triggers. Answer the following questions to reflect on the information:
- What are the major causes of acute asthma exacerbations?
- How does bronchoconstriction contribute to the symptoms of an asthma exacerbation?
Module 2: Acute Assessment and Diagnosis of Asthma Exacerbation
Duration: 60 minutes
Content:
- Patient Presentation: Common symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and clinical signs like tachypnea.
- Assessment Protocol: Initial history, physical examination, diagnostic tests such as peak flow, ABG, and pulse oximetry.
- Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishing asthma exacerbations from other conditions with similar symptoms (e.g., pneumonia, heart failure, COPD).
Learning Activity:
Review the provided case scenario of a patient presenting with an asthma exacerbation. Based on the symptoms and diagnostic data, determine the severity and document your findings in the structured assessment form. Identify the next steps in the treatment process.
Module 3: Pharmacological Management of Acute Asthma Exacerbation
Duration: 90 minutes
Content:
- Initial Management: Oxygen therapy, short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs), corticosteroids, and ipratropium.
- Step-Up Management: Escalating treatment strategies such as intravenous magnesium sulfate, heliox therapy, and CPAP/BiPAP.
- Monitoring and Reassessment: Continuous assessment, adjusting management based on patient response, and discharge criteria.
Learning Activity:
Based on the patient’s current clinical condition, select the most appropriate treatment options from a list of medications and therapies. Reflect on the rationale for each choice and how it contributes to the management of the asthma exacerbation.
Module 4: Post-Acute Management and Follow-Up Care
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Patient Education: Teaching the patient proper inhaler techniques, recognizing early signs of exacerbation, and avoiding triggers.
- Follow-Up Care: Schedule follow-up appointments, asthma action plan updates, and referrals to specialists when necessary.
- Long-Term Asthma Management: Discuss long-term monitoring, medication adherence, and the role of controller medications (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids).
Learning Activity:
Review the patient’s follow-up care plan. Develop an asthma action plan for the patient, including peak flow monitoring and medication instructions. Ensure that the patient’s self-management plan is clear and effective.
Quiz and Case Review
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Complete the quiz assessing your understanding of asthma exacerbation management, including diagnosis, treatment options, and follow-up care.
- Review the entire case study and reflect on the management steps taken. Ensure you understand the reasoning behind each clinical decision.