Treatment FAQ

how would a nurse proceed if the parent is unreachable in the treatment of asthma in a minor

by Mr. Hunter Crist Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What are nursing interventions for asthma?

Nursing Care Plan for Asthma 1Nursing Interventions for AsthmaRationalesAdminister the prescribed asthma medications (e.g. bronchodilators, steroids, or combination inhalers / nebulizers).Bronchodilators: To dilate or relax the muscles on the airways. Steroids: To reduce the inflammation in the lungs.4 more rows

What steps does the teacher take in treating a child who is having an asthma attack?

» Stop the student's activity. Help the student be calm and in a comfortable position. » Help the student locate and take his/her prescribed quick-relief inhaler medicine. » Contact the parent/guardian. » Repeat quick-relief inhaler medicine in 20 minutes if student is still having trouble breathing.

How do you treat a child with asthma?

These tips can put you on the right path.Have a plan and stick to it. Your child should have an asthma action plan. ... Take medicines as prescribed. ... Identify and avoid triggers. ... Make sure your child gets a yearly flu vaccine. ... Use tools when necessary. ... Know the signs of a flare-up. ... Know what to do for a severe flare-up.

How can I help my child's asthma without an inhaler?

What helps an asthma attack without an inhaler?Sit up straight to help keep the airway open (your child shouldn't lie down)Remain calm (distraction with TV or music can help)Try to breathe slowly and steadily (yoga breathing techniques and other techniques can help)Move away from triggers like cigarette smoke, etc.

How do you respond to an asthma attack in childcare?

If your child is experiencing these symptoms, here's what to do:Remain calm and sit your child down.Give your child 2-4 separate puffs from the inhaler (usually the blue one) through the spacer. ... Wait four minutes. ... If symptoms improve, watch your child throughout the day.

How do you accommodate students with asthma in the classroom?

Reduce known allergens in the classroom to help students who have allergies and asthma. Common allergens found in classrooms include chalk dust, animals, and strong odors (perfumes, paints). Encourage the student with asthma to participate in physical activities, but make sure they follow proper precautions.

How do you take care of asthma patients?

Read on for top tips to help care for and manage your asthma symptoms.Manage Exposure to Allergens. ... Drink Enough Water. ... Watch What You Eat. ... Change Your Air Filters. ... Minimize Dust. ... Avoid Fragrance Sprays. ... Build Up to an Active Lifestyle. ... Avoid Smoke.More items...•

What is the best treatment for asthma?

Long-term control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are the most important medications used to keep asthma under control. These preventive medications treat the airway inflammation that leads to asthma symptoms. Used on a daily basis, these medications can reduce or eliminate asthma flare-ups.

What parents need to know about asthma?

Parents cannot manage asthma alone. If your child has breathing problems, he needs the right care. A doctor can watch your child's symptoms and make changes to his treatment plan as needed. If your child has a hospital stay for asthma, talk with your primary care doctor about a referral to a specialist.

What to do if someone passes out from asthma?

Most asthma attacks pass within minutes and are not as bad as they sound, but if they have severe breathing difficulties, especially if there is a blue tinge around the lips or the inhaler isn't having an effect, call an ambulance. They may become unconscious and stop breathing if it is a long attack.

Can you have asthma without an inhaler?

A coffee, soda, tea, or other drink with caffeine can help your airways open. A small amount of caffeine can help you breathe better for up to 4 hours.

What chapter is asthma in?

Chapter 40 - Drugs for Asthma and Other Pulmonary…

What are the treatment modalities for asthma?

Discuss the following treatment modalities for the treatment of asthma and note when each is indicated: aerosolized medications by nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler, oxygen, heliox therapy, and BiPap.

What is status asthmaticus?

Status asthmaticus is respiratory distress despite vigorous treatment measures including albuterol and epinephrine. This is considered a medical emergency that can result in respiratory failure and death if left untreated. 4. Discuss the pathophysiology of asthma.

What is a metered dose inhaler?

Metered-dose inhaler. A form of administering asthma medications.

What is the best saturation for a child?

Liberal use is indicated without worry of toxicity in the short term. The goal is to keep saturation> than 90% (some sources recommend 92%) and/or arterial PO 2 greater than 60 mm Hg. Some guidelines recommend minimum saturations of 95% for children. Heliox therapy: A combination of helium and oxygen. It can be used to decrease airway resistance and thereby decrease the work of breathing. It should be used in acute exacerbations as an adjunct to B-2 agonist and IV corticosteroid therapy to improve pulmonary function. Effects are usually seen in 20 minutes.

What happens if a parent is unreachable?

If parent is unreachable, the nurse should proceed with procedure. Emergency consent protects healthcare workers who provide care to a patient that collapses in the ED. Patients must not be able to make their wishes known, and a delay in providing care would result in the loss of life or limb.

What are the medications used for asthma?

Discuss the actions, side effects, contraindications, and nursing implications of the following medications in the treatment of asthma: albuterol, Atrovent, epinephrine, prednisolone, prednisone, solumedrol, magnesium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate.

When a parent or guardian is not available to give consent and a delay in treatment would be life answer?

When a parent or guardian is not available to give consent and a delay in treatment would be life-threatening or cause the patient serious harm, consent is presumed. To the extent feasible, however, consent should be obtained for any resultant ongoing treatment.

When a minor is allowed to consent to treatment, a conversation should occur in which the minor’s expectations regarding?

When a minor is allowed to consent to treatment, a conversation should occur in which the minor’s expectations regarding privacy are discussed. Typically, the right to consent to treatment goes hand-in-hand with the right to confidentiality. While it is important to honor a patient’s privacy rights, a minor’s health situation may be such that it is preferable (or even necessary) to make the minor’s parents aware. As such, minor patients should be told up front that there may be times when you will not be able to honor their requests for confidentiality. “In cases when the physician believes that without parental involvement and guidance, the minor will face a serious health threat, and there is reason to believe that the parents will be helpful and understanding, disclosing the problem to the parents is ethically justified. When the physician does breach confidentiality to the parents, he or she must discuss the reasons for the breach with the minor prior to the disclosure.”3

What is the age limit for minors to consent to treatment?

In several states, such as Vermont and California, this right is granted to minors as young as 12.2

How old do you have to be to give consent to a patient?

In most states, age 18 is the age of majority and thus, before treating a patient under the age of 18, consent must be obtained from the patient’s parent or legal guardian. This seems relatively straightforward; however, with today’s reality of blended families and children being chauffeured around by nannies and other caregivers, it is not always easy to determine who is accompanying the patient and whether he or she has legal authority to grant consent. In order to avoid confusion, consider the following:

What age can a minor be emancipated?

Court-ordered emancipation. A child under the age of 18 who lives independently without the support of parents and makes his or her own day-to-day decisions may petition the court for emancipation. If granted, the minor will have the same legal rights as an adult, including the right to consent to (and refuse) medical treatment. If a minor patient advises you that he or she is emancipated, obtain a copy of the decree to place in the patient’s record.

What to do if a minor is in custody of a legal guardian?

If the minor is in the custody of a legal guardian, ask for proof of guardianship before treating.

Who is the legal guardian of a minor?

There may be minor patients for whom a guardian ad litem or legal guardian has been appointed to represent the interests of the minor. In these instances, it is often a state agency that has legal custody of the minor and is the legal guardian. The responsibilities and limits of authority of the guardian will be stated in a court order. Obtain a copy of the court order and examine it carefully prior to treatment to determine any limits on the ability of the legal guardian to consent to treatment of the minor patient.

Who should seek patient assent for medical testing and treatment from the pediatric patient?

The physician or health care professional should seek patient assent for medical testing and treatment from the pediatric patient as appropriate for the patient's age, stage of development, and level of understanding.

What is the legal authority of a minor to refuse medical care?

If none of the 3 scenarios described previously (emancipation, mature minor, or condition-specific exceptions) are applicable, then the minor has no legal authority to either provide consent or refuse medical care. Regardless of whether a child has the legal authority to provide or withhold consent, it is always prudent to attempt to get the child's agreement or assent to treatment and transport. This approach respects the personal dignity and self-determination of the child/patient and minimizes confrontation. A willingness to provide the child with some control and some choice might allow for a compromise that allows transport personnel to achieve a safe transfer. Using force or restraint to evaluate, treat, or transport a child should be reserved only for those situations in which all efforts to negotiate respectfully with the child have failed and the child is at risk of serious harm if he or she is not restrained. In these unusual circumstances, appropriate measures should be taken to ensure the safety of the patient.

What is an emancipated minor?

In general, an emancipated minor can function as an adult, independent from his or her parents, with regard to consent for medical evaluation and treatment. 23 Children who are legally emancipated may give consent for medical treatment and transport. They may also refuse medical care and/or transport. Although emancipated minor laws vary from state to state, most states recognize minors to be emancipated if they are married, economically self-supporting and not living at home, or on active-duty status in the military. In some states, a minor who is a parent or who is pregnant might also be considered emancipated. Other states might require a court to declare the emancipation of a minor.

What is the emergency exception rule?

The emergency exception rule is also known as the doctrine of “implied consent.” This emergency exception rule is based on the assumption that reasonable persons would consent to emergency care if able to do so and that if the legal guardian knew the severity of the emergency, he or she would consent to medical treatment for the child. Under the emergency exception rule, a medical professional may presume consent and proceed with appropriate treatment and transport if the following 4 conditions are met:

What is the legal basis for taking action in an emergency when consent is not available?

The legal basis for taking action in an emergency when consent is not available is known as the “emergency exception rule.”

What are the 3 situations in which a minor, rather than his or her parents, has the legal authority to make?

There are 3 situations in which a minor, rather than his or her parents, has the legal authority to make decisions regarding his or her health care : emancipation; the mature minor exception; and exceptions based on specific medical conditions. In fact, every state has enacted minor consent statutes that address some or all of these exceptions to the “general rule.” 21, 22

What is the burden of proof for a minor?

Any time a minor is treated without consent, the burden of proof falls on the professional who is evaluating, treating, or transporting the child to justify and document that the emergency actions were necessary to prevent imminent and significant harm to the child. In addition to actions necessary to save a person's life and prevent permanent disability or harm, the treatment of fractures, infections, pain, and other conditions may broadly be considered as emergent conditions that require treatment. As a general rule, health care professionals should always do what they believe to be in the best interest of the minor. The emergency exception exists to protect the health care professional from liability with the assumption that if the parents were present, they would consent to treatment. 20 The professional must clearly document in the child's record the nature of the medical emergency and the reason the minor required immediate treatment and/or transport and the efforts made to obtain consent from the patient's legal guardian, if unavailable. 15

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