Asthma and Mild Hyperkalemia - Essay Example

"Asthma and Mild Hyperkalemia" is an engrossing example of a paper on symptoms.
Classification of the Severity of D.R. Asthma Attack

Asthma is an infection of the airways that makes them narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. Before initiating a treatment plan for individuals experiencing asthma, the severity of the asthma attack should be determined. The EPR-3 guideline categorizes the severity of asthma attacks into four primary groups based on the symptoms presented by the patient upon admission. According to Sharif, Haddad Kashani, & Sharif, (2020), classifications of asthma attacks include intermittent, persistent-mild, persistent moderate, and persistent-severe. Based on the case study, the severity of the D.R. asthma attack can be categorized as moderate persistent asthma based on his existing symptoms. This category of an asthma attack is identified by symptoms occurring approximately for two weeks. Nightlife symptoms happen more than once a week but do not occur every day. Abnormal lung test value might range from 60% to 80%, with a PEF varying from morning to afternoon. D.R.'s asthma attacks are associated with most of these symptoms, and therefore his condition can be classified as moderate persistent asthma.

The Most Common Triggers for Asthma in Any Given Patients and Those Applicable To D.R

An individual with asthma can experience asthma attacks upon exposure to asthma triggers. Different triggers make kick-off asthma attacks in different individuals; therefore, patients must understand them and learn how to avoid them. The most frequent asthma triggers include tobacco smoke, pollutants from the air, dust mites, mold, house pets, cockroach allergen, and smoke from blazing grass or wood (Kansen et al., 2019). Based on the case study, the most probable triggers behind D.R. asthmatic attacks may include dust mites, mold, cockroaches, or pests since it seems that the attacks are a result of indoor triggers.

Factors That Might Be the Etiology of D.R. Being an Asthmatic Patient

Generally, a viral infection is the predominant cause of asthma attacks. Based on the patient's condition, it seems allergens are the main factors that cause D.R. to be asthmatic. Exposure to indoor allergens plays an essential role in the development of asthma. Generally, exposure to allergens triggers the immune system to overreact towards the allergen, which may consequently lead to the inflammation of the airway and contraction of the bronchial smooth muscles, which leads to asthmatic attacks.

Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Homeostasis

Type of Water and Electrolyte Imbalance the Patient Has

Electrolytes are described as substances responsible for the conduction of electricity when dissolved in water and the human body; most of the automatic processes rely on them. A balance of the various electrolytes is essential for the normal functioning of the human body. Based on Ms. Brown’s admission laboratory values, she is experiencing hypertonic electrolyte imbalance. This is because she reports increased plasma similarity as the levels of electrolytes, mainly sodium and potassium. Usually, hypertonic electrolyte imbalance occurs due to the presence of excess minerals in the body leading to an abnormality in the electrolyte balance.

Signs and Symptoms to the Water Imbalance and the Clinical Manifestation She Might Exhibit With the Potassium Level She Has

Signs and symptoms associated with hypertonic dehydration include decreased water intake, fever, polyuria, excessive sweating, and end-stage renal disease. According to the case analysis, the patient reports increased high levels of potassium in the body. Generally, the recommended level of serum potassium in adults is between 3.5 and 5.5 mEq/L. Based on the case study, the patient reports a serum potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L, indicating the presence of an excess mineral in the patient's blood. The patient's potassium level is linked with mild hyperkalemia, which is associated with various signs and symptoms, including muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, numbness, tingling, shortness of breath, and nausea (Reber et al., 2019).

Most Appropriate Treatment for Ms. Brown and Why

Based on the case study Ms. Brown is experiencing mild hyperkalemia. Therefore the most treatment for her is cation exchange resin or diuretics. This is because she has no electrocardiographic abnormalities (Kim, 2019).

What The ABGS From Ms. Brown Indicate Regarding Her Acid-Base Imbalance?

Based on the case study, the ABG's from Ms. Brown indicate respiratory acidosis. This is because she represents the average P.H. level, high PaCO2, and high bicarbonate levels.

Anion Gaps and Its Clinical Significance

Anion gaps refer to the values calculated from various independent medical lab tests, mainly reported alongside the results if electrolyte panel performed as a part of a comprehensive metabolic panel. According to De Grooth, Schraverus, & Elbers, (2019), both augmented and decreased anion gap has clinical importance as they help in indicating any instability of acid-base balance. As such, they help healthcare professionals in the differential diagnosis of various diseases, including kidney and lung diseases.