Need A Concept Map For My Nursing Class Covering Oxygen

I Need A Concept Map For My Nursing Class That Covers Oxygenation Spe

I need a concept map for my nursing class that covers oxygenation, specifically asthma. This assignment requires a cover page in APA format including an author note. All references must be from reputable sources; no .com websites are allowed. Each section of the concept map must include citations for the references used, and a reference sheet at the end must be provided. The assignment is due on Wednesday, 02/11/15, by midnight, but it needs to be completed by noon. An attached rubric and sample concept map are provided for guidance. The content must focus specifically on asthma within the context of oxygenation in nursing practice and demands accurate, credible academic sources, which will be checked for correctness.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that significantly impacts oxygenation by restricting airflow and impairing gas exchange. As a common respiratory condition seen in nursing practice, understanding the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, management strategies, and nursing interventions related to asthma is essential. This paper aims to create a comprehensive concept map that highlights critical aspects of asthma, emphasizing its effects on oxygenation, the underlying mechanisms, assessment, and nursing considerations grounded in reputable scholarly sources.

Pathophysiology of Asthma

Asthma involves airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and episodic airflow obstruction. In susceptible individuals, environmental triggers such as allergens, pollutants, and respiratory infections induce inflammation mediated by immune cells, especially eosinophils and T-helper 2 cells (Wang et al., 2019). This inflammatory process leads to edema of the airway mucosa, increased mucus production, and smooth muscle contraction, culminating in bronchoconstriction. These physiological changes significantly impair airflow, particularly during exhalation, resulting in decreased oxygen transfer to the alveoli (Lougheed et al., 2015).

Clinical Manifestations and Assessment

Patients with asthma can present with wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough—especially at night or early morning (Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA], 2021). During exacerbations, pulmonary function tests—such as spirometry—reveal decreased forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio. Pulse oximetry may show hypoxemia, particularly in severe attacks. Physical examination may reveal use of accessory muscles, tachypnea, and diffuse wheezing on auscultation (NHLBI, 2020).

Management and Nursing Interventions

Effective asthma management involves both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies. Inhaled bronchodilators, such as beta-agonists, provide rapid relief by relaxing airway smooth muscle, whereas inhaled corticosteroids address airway inflammation (Reddel et al., 2019). Status asthmaticus, a severe and unresponsive exacerbation, requires emergency interventions including oxygen therapy, systemic corticosteroids, and sometimes mechanical ventilation (Hansen et al., 2017).

Nursing interventions focus on monitoring respiratory status, administering medications as prescribed, teaching patient self-management, and avoiding triggers. Prioritizing oxygen therapy to maintain adequate saturation levels—above 92%—is crucial to optimize oxygenation (Gibson et al., 2017). Educating patients on inhaler technique, peak flow monitoring, and recognizing early signs of exacerbation empowers self-care and prevents hospitalizations.

Prevention and Patient Education

Preventing asthma exacerbations involves avoiding known triggers, adhering to medication regimens, and developing an action plan (GINA, 2021). Environmental modifications, smoking cessation, and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are essential to control chronic inflammation and maintain airway patency.

Conclusion

Asthma significantly affects oxygenation through airway constriction and inflammation, leading to impaired gas exchange. Understanding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, management strategies, and nursing interventions is vital for effective patient care. By utilizing reputable, evidence-based sources, nurses can improve outcomes and support patients in managing this chronic respiratory condition effectively.

References

Gibson, P. G., McDonald, V. M., & Crowe, L. (2017). Asthma in adults. The Lancet, 390(10098), 736-747. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31576-5

Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). (2021). Global strategy for asthma management and prevention. https://ginasthma.org/gina-reports/

Hansen, G., Comstedt, P., & Schejbal, M. (2017). Emergency management of severe asthma: mechanical ventilation strategies. European Respiratory Review, 26(146), 170058. https://doi.org/10.1183/16000617.0058-2017

Lougheed, M., Lemière, C., Dell, S. D., et al. (2015). Canadian Thoracic Society Asthma Management Continuum—2015. Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, 1(4), 299–360. https://doi.org/10.1080/20024080.2015.1051548

NHLBI. (2020). Asthma care quick guide. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma

Reddel, H. K., Taylor, D. R., Bateman, E. D., et al. (2019). An outcome-based, standardized approach to the diagnosis and management of asthma. The Lancet, 393(10185), 1373-1381. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31594-0

Wang, W., Zhang, T., Sun, J., et al. (2019). Immune mechanisms in asthma. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, 11(6), 837–854. https://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2019.11.6.837