Common Alterations in Pulmonary Functioning
Step 1 The scenario:
You work for Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital as a nurse on the pulmonary unit. You have been asked to create patient education handouts for a variety of pulmonary disorders. After you gather the information to put in the handout, you will ask your peers for feedback on the information.
Step 2 Select a pulmonary disorder that you would like to learn about and, if necessary, research the pathophysiology of the disorder.
Step 3 Your first task is to describe the pathophysiology of the disorder that you will include in the patient handout. This should be followed by common signs and symptoms of the disorder. Be sure to cover the pathophysiology of the disorder in terms a patient (or his or her caregiver) would be able to understand.
Be sure to cite all sources you use and provide a reference using proper APA formatting.
Asthma
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Asthma
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2020, Asthma is a disorder of the airway that involves swelling, narrowing, and excessive mucus production, leading to labored breathing and, hence, difficulties in breathing. It is a long-term condition that has no specific cure, but the symptoms are managed over time. Its effects can range from minor issues to severe problems that hinder them from doing their day-to-day activities.
Pathophysiology of Asthma
Asthma mainly affects the bronchioles (small tubal-like structures of the airway that take air directly to the lungs) (Martinez et al., 2013). Allergens like pollen, dust, food products, or non-allergens like effects of exercise, infection of the respiratory system trigger the body to produce a protective response. The response releases different chemicals that work to protect the body from potential allergens and relieve inflammation, causing increased production of mucus and excites the muscles within the bronchioles, making them relax and contract at a faster rate. There is a reduction in the size of the airwa...