Nursing care plan for pediatric asthma
This is a sample paper on a nursing care plan for asthma in childhood that includes all sections, such as assessment, diagnosis, goals, interventions, and evaluation. The nursing essay writer has tackled every step with much attention to detail, beginning with a comprehensive assessment as a means of capturing the physical and emotional aspects that surround the management of pediatric asthma. From here, the diagnoses directly originate based on these assessments, leading to clearly defined and measurable goals. These interventions are practical, centered on the patient, and educate for the continuity of care. Finally, the evaluation criteria detail progress and understanding, thus reinforcing the belief that this plan of care is complete in scope. This outline format enables the care plan writer to clearly show a balanced, well-rounded, clinically sound nursing care plan.
November 5, 2024
* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.
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Nursing Care Plan for Childhood Asthma
Institution
Student’s Name
Course Title
Instructor’s Name
Date of Submission
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Nursing Care Plan for Childhood Asthma
Patient Information:
●Diagnosis: Childhood Asthma
●Age: 8 years old
●Health History: Wheezing and shortness of breath repeatedly occur or are worsened by
reactions to dust, pollen, or physical exertion.
●Medications: The physician ordered the medication Albuterol inhaler (a bronchodilator),
and the patient inhaled corticosteroids.
1. Assessment
●Subjective Data: The patient reports that they feel a "tightness" in their chest and that
their shortness of breath worsens with outdoor play and when they are around dust.
●Objective Data: The client is tachypneic at a rate of 28 breaths per minute, experiencing
the use of accessory muscles to breathe. Wheezing was auscultated and peak flow
readings indicated an impressive decrease at 50% of baseline. Additionally, the client's
oxygen saturation is 93%.
●Triggers Identified: Dust, pollen, and physical activity.
2. Nursing Diagnoses
●Ineffective Airway Clearance related to bronchoconstriction and mucus production is
evidenced by audible wheezing and difficulty coughing up mucus (Carvalho, et al.,
2015).
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●Impaired Gas Exchange related to obstructed airways due to inflammation and mucus
as evidenced by low oxygen saturation and respiratory distress.
●Knowledge Deficit regarding asthma management, including medication use and
symptom recognition, as evidenced by the patient and family’s limited understanding of
an asthma action plan.
●Anxiety related to fear of breathing difficulties and asthma attacks as evidenced by the
patient’s hesitance to engage in physical activity and the family’s expressed concerns.
3. Goals and Expected Outcomes
●Short-term Goals:
oThe patient will demonstrate the correct use of the inhaler and spacer technique
by the end of the day.
oThe patient will verbalize at least three early signs of an asthma attack and
appropriate response actions by the end of the day.
●Long-term Goals:
oThe patient will experience fewer asthma exacerbations by identifying and
avoiding known triggers within one month.
oThe family will demonstrate an understanding of the asthma action plan and
appropriate interventions by the end of the care period.
4. Nursing Interventions and Rationales
Intervention 1: Airway Management
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●Positioning: Place the patient in a high Fowler’s position (sitting up at a 90-degree
angle).
oRationale: This position facilitates lung expansion, decreases pressure on the
diaphragm, and helps reduce the work of breathing (Hartert & Bacharier, 2024).
●Encourage Effective Coughing: Instruct the patient to take deep breaths and attempt to
cough, using a pillow to support the chest if needed.
oRationale: Encouraging an effective cough aids in mobilizing secretions and
clearing airways, which can help improve airflow and ease breathing.
Intervention 2: Medication Administration
●Administer Bronchodilator (Albuterol): Use as prescribed, typically one or two
inhalations every 4–6 hours as needed for symptom relief (Chu & Bajaj, 2024).
oRationale: Bronchodilators act on smooth muscle to relieve bronchoconstriction,
reduce wheezing, and promote easier breathing.
●Teach Inhaler and Spacer Use: Demonstrate how to shake the inhaler, attach the spacer,
inhale slowly, and hold the breath for a few seconds. Observe the patient’s technique and
provide feedback.
oRationale: Proper technique ensures that medication reaches the lower airways,
maximizing effectiveness. Spacers reduce medication loss in the oropharynx and
improves deposition in the lungs.
●Administer Corticosteroids: Use as prescribed for inflammation control (usually twice
daily).
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oRationale: Corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and prevent the frequency
of exacerbations, promoting long-term respiratory health.
Intervention 3: Peak Flow Monitoring
●Teach Peak Flow Measurement: Demonstrate how to use the peak flow meter daily,
ideally in the morning and at night. Record baseline readings to determine the “personal
best” (Grad, et al., 2009).
oRationale: Peak flow readings provide a measurable way to monitor lung
function, detect worsening asthma early, and guide treatment. The "traffic light"
system (green: 80–100% of personal best; Yellow: 50–79%; Red: below 50%)
offers clear guidelines for intervention.
●Document and Review Readings: Encourage recording readings in a diary or chart to
identify trends and anticipate exacerbations.
oRationale: Tracking peak flow over time allows the family and healthcare
providers to observe patterns, identify triggers, and adjust the treatment plan
proactively.
Intervention 4: Patient and Family Education
●Educate on Triggers and Avoidance: Teach the patient and family about common
asthma triggers (e.g., pollen, smoke, dust mites) and how to minimize exposure, such as
using air filters, washing bed linens frequently, and avoiding known allergens.
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oRationale: This can prevent exacerbation of asthma since the patient is out of
exposure or is minimally exposed to the triggers, avoiding emergency
intervention.
•Asthma Action Plan: The Asthma Action Plan should be reviewed with the family,
showing them exactly how to recognize early warning signs, how to take the medications
appropriately, and when emergency assistance should be provided.
oRationale: A specific plan of action provides the patient and family with a
focused approach to manage symptoms and avoid extreme exacerbations.
•Symptom Diary: Instruct the family to maintain a symptom diary outlining symptoms,
potential triggers of the symptoms, and effectiveness of medications.
oRationale: A symptom diary helps with the establishment of new triggers, and
assessment of treatment effectiveness, and informs healthcare professionals in
follow-ups.
Intervention 5: Provide Emotional Support and Address Anxiety
●Acknowledge Fears and Concerns: Allow the patient and family to express any
anxieties regarding asthma and encourage them to ask questions.
oRationale: Treatment of the emotional aspects of
asthma could minimize fear and allow better coping strategies for the
patient, especially for young children who may
feel handicapped by the disease.
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●Promote Relaxation Techniques: Teach simple techniques, such as slow, deep breathing
exercises, to help the child remain calm during an asthma episode.
oRationale: Relaxation can help reduce anxiety-related breathing difficulties,
which can worsen asthma symptoms.
5. Evaluation
●Airway Clearance: Assess lung sounds for decreased wheezing. Observe a decrease in
patient work of breathing to expectorate secretions. The expected outcome should be an
airway that is much clearer for easier breathing.
●Improved Gas Exchange: The client's oxygen saturation is reassessed as well as his
current use of respiratory rate and peak flow readings to determine whether gas exchange
has improved. The patient will verbalize this with normal values and less overall
respiratory distress.
●Knowledge Retention: The client and family members are able to return and
demonstrate asthma action plan steps, inhaler/spacer use, and name some things that can
trigger an asthma attack. The ability to recall and demonstrate understanding is positive.
●Anxiety Management: Evaluate the patient's comfort level and confidence in being able
to live with asthma. Reductions in anxiety may be manifested by increased willingness to
participate in strenuous physical activity, provided appropriate precautions are taken.
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References
Carvalho, O. M., Silva, V. M., Tavora, R. C., Araujo, M. V., Pinheiro, F. R., Sousa, T. M., &
Lopes, M. V. (2015). Ineffective airway clearance: accuracy of clinical indicators in
asthmatic children. Brazilian Journal of Nursing, 68(1), 862-868.
Chu, R., & Bajaj, P. (2024). Asthma Medication in Children. In StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL:
StatPearls Publishing.
Grad, R., McLure, L., Zhang, S., Mangan, J., Gibson, L., & Gerald, L. (2009). Peak flow
measurements in children with asthma: what happens at school? Journal of Asthma,
46(6), 535-540.
Hartert, T., & Bacharier, L. B. (2024, September). An overview of asthma management in
children and adults. Retrieved from Up-to-date Care:
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/an-overview-of-asthma-management-in-children-and
-adults
November 5, 2024
24/7 custom essay writing by real academic writers
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Academic level:
Graduate
Type of paper:
Care plan
Discipline:
Nursing
Citation:
APA
Pages:
3 (1049 words)
* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.
