Asthma visits may range from routine evaluation to acute exacerbations. The goal is to quickly assess oxygenation, support breathing, and prepare immediate treatment if needed.

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šŸ“š Resources Needed

  • Besa EHR
  • Stainless Steel Tray
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Nebulizer machine
  • Albuterol (1 vial)
  • Nebulizer mask (or mouthpiece as appropriate)
  • Gloves
  • Disinfectant supplies

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šŸš€ Tips & Workflow Standards

  • Pulse ox goes on immediately upon rooming
  • Any breathing complaint = treat with urgency
  • Prep nebulizer before provider enters if symptoms are moderate/severe
  • Stay calm and efficientā€”patients mirror your energy
  • Be ready to assist quickly if condition worsens

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šŸ“˜ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Identify Asthma Visit

  • Review schedule in Besa EHR
  • Trigger complaints:
    • Shortness of breath
    • Wheezing
    • Chest tightness
    • ā€œAsthma flareā€

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2. Immediate Patient Assessment

  • Place pulse oximeter on patient right away
  • Observe:
    • Breathing effort
    • Rate
    • Ability to speak full sentences

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3. Prepare Treatment Supplies

Set up:

  • Nebulizer machine
  • Albuterol vial (1)
  • Mask or mouthpiece

Ensure machine is functioning and ready to go

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4. Set Up Procedure Tray

  • Place supplies on stainless steel tray
  • Add sticky note with patientā€™s first name
  • Keep setup clean and within reach

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5. Prepare for Nebulizer Treatment

  • Load albuterol into nebulizer
  • Connect mask/mouthpiece
  • Make sure it is there in the room and youā€™re able to help in case the provider needs you.Ā 

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6. If You Need to Assist During Treatment

  • Apply mask securely
  • Ensure patient is breathing steadily through treatment
  • Monitor:
    • Oxygen saturation
    • Patient comfort
  • Notify provider if:
    • No improvement
    • Worsening symptoms

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7. Post-Treatment Monitoring (If you needed to assist)

  • Re-check pulse oximeter
  • Observe for improvement in breathing
  • Document response for provider

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8. Room Turnover

  • Disinfect nebulizer components per protocol
  • Clean all surfaces
  • Reset room

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āš ļø Critical Reminders

  • Pulse ox is not optionalā€”get it immediately
  • Do not delay nebulizer setup if patient is struggling
  • Clean equipment thoroughly after every use

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šŸ“ž Support

If patient condition worsens or you are unsure how to proceed while helping, notify the provider immediatelyā€”do not wait.