Concordia College

College of Nursing

Case
Study
On
Bronchial
Asthma

Prepared By:
De Castro, Richelle Sandriel C.
BSN III-D
 Submitted To:
Ms. Susie May Jardio RN, RM, MSN
I. INTRODUCTION

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder that causes recurrent episodes of

wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough, especially at night or in the early morning.
These asthma episodes are associated with airflow limitation or obstruction that is reversible
either spontaneously or with treatment. Asthma usually begins in childhood or adolescence, but it
also may first appear during adult years. While the symptoms may be similar, certain important
aspects of asthma are different in children and adults.

Bronchial asthma is the more correct name for the common form of asthma. The term
'bronchial' is used to differentiate it from 'cardiac' asthma, which is a separate condition that is
caused by heart failure. Although the two types of asthma have similar symptoms, including
wheezing (a whistling sound in the chest) and shortness of breath, they have quite different causes.

Bronchial asthma is usually intrinsic (no cause can be demonstrated), but is occasionally caused
by a specific allergy (such as allergy to mold, dander, dust). This case study is a thorough learning
about Bronchial Asthma, which contains a study about the normal physiology of the respiratory
system, pathological physiology of the disease, a thorough assessment of the patient with said
illness, applied nursing care plans to patients having this kind or disease, and discharge planning to
a patient to limit the recurrence of the attack or if not proper management and care to be given
during the time of asthma attack.

II. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

At the end of the case study, the student will be able to:
 Know what Bronchial Asthma is all about.
 Apply the knowledge that they have learned in the floor.

III. PATIENT’S PROFILE

Name: T.M
Address: Western Bicutan, Taguig
Age: 25 years old
Date of Birth: November 16, 1984
Sex: Female
Nationality: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Date & Time of Admission: May 17, 2010 (03:25 pm)
Mode of Arrival: Wheelchair
Chief Complaint: Pruritic Rashes
Source of Information: Patient, Chart

IV. HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS

The patient was diagnosed with bronchial asthma since 2008 given Salbutamol nebulization as
necessary.
2 days prior to admission, the patient experienced non productive cough, watery nasal discharge,
and (-) fever, and decreases in appetite.
1 day prior to admission, the patient experienced difficulty of breathing, excessively vomit once.
 Few hours prior to admission, they went to San Juan de Dios Hospital for consultation, the patient
experienced persistence of difficulty of breathing.
 V. LABORATORY WORKS

NAME OF TEST NORMALVALUE RESULTS SIGNIFICANCE

Complete Blood Count RBC: 4-6 x 10/L 4.28 Increased segmenters (mature
Hct: 0.37- 0.47 0.36 neutrophils) reflect a bacterial
Purpose: CBC is ordered to aid in the Hgb: 110- 160 gm/L 111 infection since this are the body’s
detection of anemias; hydration status; and WBC: 5-10 x 10 /L 11.3 first line of defense against acute
as part of routine hospital admission test. Lymphocytes:0.25-0.35 0.25 bacterial invasion.
The differential WBC is necessary for Segmenters: 0.50-0.65 0.74 Lymphocytes are decreased during
determining the type of infection. Eosinophil: 0.01-0.06 0.01 early acute bacterial infection and
only increase late in bacterial
infections but continue to function
during the chronic phase.

VI. DRUG STUDY

Generic/Brand Action Indication/ Adverse Reaction Nursing
Name Classification Responsibility
1.Salbutamol . Assess cardio-respiratory
function: BP, heart rate and
rhythm and breath sounds

Determine history of previous

medication and ability to self
medicate to prevent additive.

Monitor for evidence of allergic

reaction and paradoxical
bronchospasm.
DISCHARGE SUMMARY

Medication
Patient will be compliant to continued medication regimen

Exercise
Patient will verbalize need importance of exercise and demonstrate proper initiation of appropriate
exercise.

Treatment
Patient will know appropriate treatment regimen and verbalize compliance.

Hygiene
Outpatient
Diet
Spiritual

VII. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Causal Factors Contributing Factors

Predisposing Factor
-Exposure to indoor -Respriratory infections
-Atopy
and outdoor allergens -Air pollution
-Female gender
-Occupational -Others: diet, small size
sensitizers at birth

Inflammation

Hyperresponsiveness
of airways
Airflow limitation

-Risk Factors for

Exacerbations
-Allergens Symptoms
-Respiratory infections Wheezing
-Exercise and hyperventilation Cough
-Weather changes Dyspnea
-Exposure to sulfur dioxide Chest tightness
-Exposure to food, additives,
medications