Case study for nursing-heart disease-myocardial infarction Essay

Case study for nursing-heart disease-myocardial infarction - Essay Example This is an emergency situation and she needs immediate medical attention. An appropriate dose of bronchodilator, preferably in combination with a corticosteroid can reverse the condition. This is the rationale for the administration of 3 doses of salbutamol through a metered dose inhaler. This is aimed at reducing the bronchospasm. Salbutamol is a selective ÃŽ ²2 adrenergic receptor agonist which predominates in lung tissue. When administered in inhalant form, the drug exerts immediate action on the bronchial smooth muscles. It hastens the relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscles. Oxygen therapy has been suggested as she has suffered this exacerbation for quite some time now and although the SpO2 and SaO2 levels are within normal limits; oxygen therapy will hasten her recovery as lung efficiency is presently compromised. This will also prevent any ongoing imbalance within the arterial blood gases and aid in better oxygenation of the blood which is to be carried to the vital organs. Patients in status asthmaticus usually have elevated plasma antidiuretic hormone levels and this can disturb the water and electrolyte balance. This is the reason for the suggested administration of N/2 saline. Fluid therapy will restore the electrolyte balance and bring about homeostasis in the body. Ipratropium is a mast cell stabilizer and will prevent the further release of histamine and other mediators which contract the respiratory smooth muscles. Prednisolone is a potent corticosteroid which has a marked anti inflammatory action and is therefore prescribed for three days in order to suppress further inflammation within the respiratory tract. The dosage needs to be continued for a short period of three days or more and can be suddenly stopped although corticosteroids are known to suppress the normal synthesis and release of glucocorticoids by the