SimLabSolutions Asthma Management Training Bundle
SimLabSolutions Asthma Management Training Bundle
SimLabSolutions Asthma Management Training Bundle
The SimLabSolutions Asthma Management Training Bundle was designed by the DiaMedical Nurse Educator to help instructors teach students about asthma.
Nurses and respiratory therapists frequently care for patients with asthma in acute and outpatient settings. Asthma exacerbations can be life-threatening and prompt administration of bronchodilators is essential. Nurses and respiratory therapists must be aware of the differences between various bronchodilator therapies and the indications for each.
Valved holding chambers are used with metered dose inhalers to improve medication delivery, especially for children. Less hand-mouth coordination is required and inhalation is slower for delivery to the lower airways.
Peak Flow Meters are used to measure Forced Vital Capacity and how well air is moved out of the lungs. Forced Vital Capacity is lowered during asthma attacks due to narrowing of the airways for exhalation. Asthma Action Plans are used with Peak Flow Meters to help patients recognize when their symptoms get worse and what to do in an emergency.
Skills To Be Taught
- Assessment of the patient with asthma using a peak flow meter
- Differentiation between various types of bronchodilator medications
- Administration of bronchodilator medications via metered dose inhaler and nebulizer
- Use of holding chambers with metered dose inhalers
- Oxygen administration to maintain pulse oximetry > 95%
- Use of Asthma Action Plans for asthma management
Items Included In The Bundle
Medications
- Simulated ProAyer inhaler
- Simulated Ipratropium/Albuterol (Combivent) Aersol inhaler
- Simulated Ipratropium inhaler
- Simulated Ipratropium/Albuterol (Duoneb) nebules
- Simulated Ipratropium Bromide 0.02% nebules
- Simulated Fluticason/Salmeterl Disc Inhaler 250/50
Supplies
- Respiratory Inhaler and Medications poster
- Compact Nebulizer compressor with T-piece
- Adult and pediatric nebulizer masks
- Adult and pediatric nasal cannulas and non-rebreather masks
- Peak flow meter
- Valved holding chamber for metered dose inhalers with pediatric mask
Simulated medications are for educational use only. They are not to be used with humans or animals.
Student/Educator Resources
- Article: Asthma Nursing Management
- Article: Nurses’ role in improving outcomes for patients with severe asthma
- Article: A primary care nurse’s quick guide to Asthma and allergy
- Article: Asthma medications: Know your options
- Article: Asthma Action Plans
- Article: Spacers and Valved Holding Chambers (VHCs) for Use with Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs)
- Article: Using a Peak Flow Meter to Manage Asthma
Asthma Simulation
Initial Patient Setting
- Head of bed is flat
- Vital signs: T 98.5 – P 132 – RR 36 – BP 148/98 – SpO2 78%
- Blue eyeshadow can be applied to the patient’s lips if desired
- Audible expiratory wheezes
- Patient reports acute shortness of breath
Initial Student Assessment
- Expiratory wheezes to all lung fields
- Staccato speech – unable to speak in full sentences without taking a breath
- Orthopnea – difficulty breathing when laying flat
- Accessory chest muscle retractions with each breath
Initial Student Interventions
- Elevate the head of the bed/assist patient to sit up
- Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask to maintain pulse ox > 95%
- Administer nebulized bronchodilator as ordered with mask or T-piece
Additional Student Activities
- Demonstrate correct administration of metered dose inhaler and disc inhaler
- Demonstrate correct administration of valved holding chamber for metered dose inhaler and use of pediatric mask
- Demonstrate correct use of peak flow meter for forced vital capacity measurement
Additional Questions For Students
- What are the differences between Ventolin, Ipratropium and Albuterol/Ipratropium bronchodilators
- What are the differences indications for oxygen via nasal cannula and non-rebreather mask
- What are the differences differences between long-acting and short-acting beta-adrenergic bronchodilators
- When is Forced Vital Capacity measurement indicated and how do the results guide treatment decisions
- How are Asthma Action Plans used with patients?