hi guys, another question i need your insight with.
jane betterman, 19 years old, is a known asthmatic who has been maintained on prednisone and salbutamol (ventolin). she is admitted to hospital in status asthmaticus, and is prescribed an infusion of 500mg aminophylline in 500ml normal saline (0.9%)saline.
qn 1. the term status asthmaticus refers to an attack which
a) continues despite conventional therapy
b) lasts longer than any other previous attack
c) is of idiopathic origin
d) is precipitated by a respiratory infection
my thoughts....
status athmaticus is a medical emergency in which asthma symptoms are refractory to initial bronchodilator therapy.
one of the reading i have read say status asthmaticus is the condition of a pateint in pregressive respiratory failure due to asthma, in whom conventional forms of therapy have failed.. this bit of info supports a. and d. any patient not responding to initial doses of nebulising bronchodilating agents should be considered to have status athmaticus i believe this bit supports a. as well
wikipedia state
status asthmaticus is an acute exacerbation of asthma that does not respond to standard treatments of bronchodilators and corticosteroids. symptoms include chest tightness, rapidly progressive dyspnea (shortness of breath), dry cough and wheezing.
the lung failure means that oxygen can no longer be provided, carbon dioxide can no longer be eliminated, which leads to acidosis. thus again supporting answer a.
another reading stated
definition: status asthmaticus is a life threatening form of asthma defined as “a condition in which a progressively worsening attack is unresponsive to the usual appropriate therapy with adrenergic drugs and that leads to pulmonary insufficiency.”
with the readings i have read most support a. i havnt actualy seen anyone or cared for anyone in status asthmaticus. so any help either with ones own experience or knowldege and any helpful website would be greatly appreciated.
thanx tahnz0