Asthma: NCLEX Priorities
Asthma: triggers, peak flow, stepwise treatment, status asthmaticus, never LABA alone.
Asthma is reversible airway obstruction. NCLEX tests trigger avoidance, inhaler order, and the LABA-alone warning.
Recognition
Wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, cough. Often triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, viral infection.
Peak flow
Green zone (>80% personal best): doing well. Yellow (50-80%): caution, use rescue. Red (<50%): emergency, use rescue, call provider.
Stepwise
Step 1: SABA prn. Step 2: low ICS. Step 3: ICS + LABA. Step 4: medium ICS + LABA. Step 5: high ICS + LABA ± LAMA. Step 6: add biologics or oral steroids.
Never LABA alone
Black box warning. Increased death risk. Always pair with ICS.
Status asthmaticus
Severe asthma not responding to bronchodilators. Continuous nebulizer, IV steroids, magnesium, possible intubation. Silent chest = impending respiratory failure.
Frequently asked
Inhaler order?
SABA first (open airway), then ICS, then LABA. Rinse mouth after ICS.
Pediatric asthma, spacer?
Yes, improves deposition, especially under 6. Use with metered-dose inhaler.
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