Asthma and Stepwise Management

Asthma is a respiratory disorder that affects children and adults. Advanced practice nurses often provide treatment to patients with these disorders. Sometimes patients require immediate treatment making it essential that you recognize and distinguish minor asthma symptoms from serious, life-threatening symptoms. Since symptoms and attacks are often induced by a trigger, advanced practice nurses must also help patients identify their triggers and recommend appropriate management options. Like many other disorders, there are various approaches to treating and managing care for asthmatic patients depending on individual patient factors. One method that supports the clinical decision-making of drug therapy plans for asthmatic patients is the stepwise approach, which you explore in this Assignment.

To prepare:
· Consider drugs used to treat asthmatic patients including long-term control and quick relief treatment options for patients. Think about the impact these drugs might have on patients including adults and children.
· Review Chapter 25 of the Arcangelo and Peterson text. Reflect on using the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management.
· Consider how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease.

What to do:
· Describe long-term control and quick relief treatment options for asthma patients, as well as the impact these drugs might have on patients.
· Explain the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management.
· Explain how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease.
Please pay attention to drug-drug interactions. 
 
The NLH guidelines for asthma are a good reference. 

– This work should have Introduction and conclusion
– This work should have at 4 to 6 current references (Year 2012 and up)
– Use at least 2 references from class Learning Resources
The following Resources are not acceptable:
1. Wikipedia
2. Cdc.gov- nonhealthcare professionals section
3. Webmd.com
4. Mayoclinic.com

Required Readings
Arcangelo, V. P., Peterson, A. M., Wilbur, V., & Reinhold, J. A. (Eds.). (2017). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (4th ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Chapter      18, “Otitis Media and Otitis Externa” (pp. 243-252)
     This chapter compares the causes and pathophysiology of two common ear      infections—otitis media and otitis externa. It also identifies types of      drugs used to treat these ear infections.
Chapter      24, “Upper Respiratory Infections” (pp. 259-374)
     This chapter explores the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria      of two upper respiratory infections—the common cold and sinusitis—as well      as drug therapy for both infections. It also covers monitoring patient      response and patient education of drug therapy for these infections.
Chapter      25, “Asthma” (pp. 377-392)
     This chapter examines the causes, pathophysiology, pharmacogenomics, and      diagnostic criteria of asthma. It also outlines suggested drug therapy      plans for asthmatic patients.
Chapter      26, “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease” (pp. 395-406)
     This chapter explains the causes and pathophysiology of chronic      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also examines the process of      selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for COPD patients.
Chapter 27, “Bronchitis and      Pneumonia” (pp. 407-424)
     This chapter begins by examining the causes, pathophysiology, and      diagnostic criteria of acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and      community-acquired pneumonia. It then explores the process of selecting,      administering, and managing drug therapy for patients with bronchitis and      pneumonia.

Drugs.com. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/
This website presents a comprehensive review of prescription and over-the-counter drugs including information on common uses and potential side effects. It also provides updates relating to new drugs on the market, support from health professionals, and a drug-drug interactions checker.

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. (2007). Expert panel report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm
This website presents guidelines for diagnosing and managing asthma and outlines treatment recommendations for specific age groups.