Asthma: Diagnosis and Management

Asthma is increasingly common, and most healthcare professionals will encounter patients with the condition. The purpose of this course is to provide nurses and nurse practitioners with up-to-date, accurate information regarding the diagnosis and management of asthma and long-term outcomes for those with the condition. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to: 1. Summarize the history of asthma, including current definitions. 2. Describe the impact of asthma both globally and nationally. 3. Identify risk factors that contribute to the development of asthma. 4. Define the pathophysiology of asthma. 5. Discuss the pathogenesis of an asthma attack in its five phases. 6. Discuss the process of diagnosing asthma, including differential diagnosis and available tests.  7. Outline the appropriate treatment and management of asthma, the medications used, and the application of the various guidelines.  8. Discuss specific population considerations. 9. Explain the importance of patient education when discussing prevention and management of asthma. 10. Identify triggers of asthma attacks. This 5-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.