Asthma Care Protocol Implementation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Asthma is a complex chronic disease characterized by inflammatory disorder causing airflow obstruction due to inflammation, bronchospasms , and mucus plugging. Children who fail to respond to initial first-line therapies often require hospitalization, and many with severe exacerbations and near-fatal asthma require admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Nursing care of these PICU patients requires close monitoring and excellent assessment of their respiratory status. Administration of medications, such as albuterol , methylprednisolone , magnesium sulfate , and sedatives, is needed. Close communication with the care team is vital, including providers and respiratory therapy , to coordinate care and to communicate assessment findings.