I was just sitting here and pondering about Asthma Attacks and what exactly you could do for that person without their inhaler! It's never really something I've thought of before, but honestly I'm not really sure what you could do! I mean, I know the symptoms of an asthma attack: chest pain, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, coughing, chest pain, and wheezing.
In any case, what exactly could you do for a person that is having an asthma attack while you're waiting for the EMS to arrive? And quite honestly (this is rather embarrassing to ask) but what could you do for the person while you're even at the hospital? (Yes... I've never dealt with one before okay!) Here is my best guess:
Take complete vitals (BP, pulse, temp, listen to heart/lungs)
Administer O2 (either non-re breather or BVM depending on RPM)
Attempt IV access
Consult with Resp. Tech and MD for further treatment (poss. order chest X-Rays, prescription for further attacks, etc.)
Am I right at all? It's just I've never dealt with this before and I'm not really sure as to what the treatment would be! As some of you know, I'm an ICU nurse so I'm not in the ER with people coming in all day with this! Thanks so much in advanced.
