This assignment will help the student evaluate of a respiratory disorder, which, if untreated, can be a serious condition. Students need to understand respiratory complications and how it can impact ventilation and respiration is important to the study for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Course Competency(s):
• Evaluate pathophysiologic alterations that affect the neurologic and respiratory systems.
Content:
J.S. is a 42-year-old man who lives in the Midwest and is highly allergic to dust and pollen and has a history of mild asthma. J.S’s wife drove him to the emergency room when his wheezing was unresponsive to his fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) inhaler. J.S. was unable to lie down, and began to use accessory muscles to breathe. J.S. is immediately started on 4 L oxygen by nasal cannula and intravenous (IV) D5W at 75 mL/hr. A set of arterial blood gases is sent to the laboratory. J.S. appears anxious and says that he is short of breath.

Vital signs
BP = 152/84 HR = 124 bpm RR = 42 Temp = 100.40F
ABGs
pH = 7.31 PaCO2 = 48 HCO3 = 26 PaO2 = 55
Instructions:
Investigate the pathophysiology of asthma and the clinical manifestations of the disease. Analyze the case study provided and determine what symptoms support the diagnosis of asthma. Identify the treatment provided in the emergency department and determine what additional therapies are needed to mitigate the asthma symptoms and return the client to wellness.

1. Do you have any concerns with the numbers above?
2. Identify what may be causing (etiology) J.S. to have an exacerbation of asthma.