Rescue Inhaler: Helping Students with Asthma Breathe Better Rachel Gallagher, R.N., A.P.N.P. The Department of Public Instruction School Nurse Consultant 125 South Webster St. Madison, WI (608)

Audio Difficulties? Make sure the volume is turned up (volume button beneath the speaker’s picture) Make sure the volume on the computer is turned up (volume icon located on the right hand side of your computer taskbar) Contact your IT department If audio and visual is lost during the program, go back to: and click on the Student Services Prevention and Wellness Team link on the left, then when the SSPW Team page of archived programs appears, select the program link desired. If problem persists contact Rachel Gallagher (608)

This power point, web cast and competency test will satisfy the knowledge portion of medication training. To complete the medication training for this emergency medication, school personnel will need to have a their medication administration skill verified and documented by a school nurse, medical provider or adequately training parent by performing an independent demonstration of the skill. Competency checklist are available at:

Objectives What is asthma? Who has asthma? What are the signs/triggers of asthma? What is the treatment for asthma? What is the Wisconsin Asthma Inhaler Law?

Who has asthma? 12% of all students nationally 12 deaths/day from asthma 12.9% of all Wisconsin children <18 years of age have been diagnosed with asthma 17% boys 9% girls Higher percentages in minority populations

What is Asthma? Chronic inflammatory disease of the airways An obstructive disease Disease that may cause permanent changes (remodeling) if not properly treated Disease that cannot be cured but can be controlled.

What happens during an asthma attack? Muscles around the airways tighten Airways are irritated inflamed and swollen Airways produce more mucous

What triggers asthma attacks? Respiratory infection Allergens Physical exercise Irritants

Triggers of asthma cont. Changes in temperatures Cockroaches

What are the signs of asthma? Coughing Wheezing Chest tightness Shortness of breath Fast or noisy breathing

Conditions Affecting Exercise-Induced Asthma Extremely hot and cold temperatures High pollen count Heavy air pollution/ozone days Respiratory infection Tobacco smoke

Basic Asthma Management Stop physical activity Remove trigger Upright position and stay calm Administer rescue medication as prescribed Allow medication time to work

What is the treatment for Asthma? rescue medications relieves bronchospasms used during an asthma episode may be used prior to exercise controller medications reduce inflammation and prevent episodes used correctly will decrease the use of rescue medications

Side Effects rescue increased heart rate shaky hands

Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) most common inhaler in school rescue medication frequent use suggests inadequate asthma control

Peak Flow Monitoring

Check the 5 rights or 5 Rs Right Student Right Medication Right Dosage Right Time Right Route

Steps in use of rescue inhaler without a spacer 1. Shake inhaler well and remove cap. 2. If inhaler is new or not used in two week, or been dropped, prime the inhaler by depressing canister four times into air away from face (or as indicated by instructions). 3. Breath out completely. 4. Place lips around inhaler mouthpiece.

Steps in use of rescue inhaler without a spacer cont. 5. Depress canister and take a deep breath in. 7. Hold breath for 10 seconds and breath out. 8. Repeat process (steps 3-7) if indicated by medical provider and parent authorizations. 9. Secure inhaler and wash hands.

Steps in use of rescue inhaler with a spacer 1. Shake inhaler well and remove cap. 2. Prime inhaler as needed. 3. Attach inhaler canister to spacer. 4. Place spacer mouthpiece or mask around the student’s face or mouth.

Steps in use of rescue inhaler with a spacer cont. 6. Depress inhaler canister. 7. Take a deep, slow breath in (if you hear a whistling sound, you are breathing in too quickly). 8. Hold breath for about ten seconds, then breathe out through the mouthpiece.

Steps in use of rescue inhaler with a spacer cont. 7. Breathe in again but do not press canister. 8. Remove mouthpiece from mouth and breathe out. 9. Repeat process (steps 4-7) if indicated by medical provider and parent authorizations. 10. Wash and store inhaler as indicated.

Demonstration Rescue inhaler With Without spacer

Documentation Every dose of medication needs to be documented with the date, time and initials of the person administering the medication on the medication log.

Initiate Emergency Action if: Prolonged wheezing Inability to talk in a complete sentence without stopping to breath Changes in color Change in respiratory rate Shoulders rise while breathing Call 911, school nurse and parent

What is the Asthma Inhaler Law? Chapter – Asthmatic Pupil; possession and use of inhalers. A students may possess and use a metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler during school day and all school sponsored events or with supervision of a school authority if the following are true:

Inhaler Law Cont. Inhaler used to prevent or treat existing asthma symptoms (rescue inhaler) Written approval of parent (if minor) and medical provider for use of the inhaler Approval letters of parent and medical provider need to be given to principal

Any comments regarding this webcast? Any suggestions on future school nursing topics? Contact: Rachel Gallagher (608)

Take test. Upon completion, take test to nurse or administrator for scoring.