PedsCCM: Pediatric Critical Care Nursing Literature Reviews

Article Reviewed:

Briening E. Pediatric Management of children in status asthmaticus. . Critical Care Nurse 1998;18:74-82.

Reviewed by:

Mary McCulley RN MS PNP CCRN
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Posted 8/4/99

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Briening has presented an overall review of status asthmaticus in the critically ill pediatric patient. The article reviews the pathophysiology of status asthmaticus and discusses pertinent assessment areas for the nurse. The author discusses therapies utilized in the PICU. The pharmacological therapies currently in use and advanced management therapies, such as mechanical ventilation are highlighted. Mechanical ventilation is explained as it relates to the physiologic considerations of asthma. The article also addresses management of fluid and electrolytes, infection, sedation, and nutrition. The bedside nurse in the PICU will find this article to be practical and pertinent to nursing practice.