Pediatric Asthma Severity Score: Gabriel Martinez Shadow Health

 
 

Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PAS) is a tool used by healthcare professionals to assess the severity of asthma exacerbation in children. It is based on the child’s symptoms, physical examination, and response to treatment.

The PAS score ranges from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating more severe exacerbations. The score is calculated based on the following parameters:

Respiratory Rate: The child’s respiratory rate is measured and scored as follows:

 	
0: ≤ 12 breaths per minute
 	
1: >12-16 breaths per minute
 	
2: >16-20 breaths per minute
 	
3: >20 breaths per minute

Wheezing: The presence or absence of wheezing is noted and scored as follows:

 	
0: No wheezing
 	
1: Wheezing present on expiration only
 	
2: Wheezing present on inspiration and expiration

Retractions: The degree of chest retractions is evaluated and scored as follows:

 	
0: No retractions
 	
1: Mild retractions (suprasternal or intercostal)
 	
2: Moderate retractions (suprasternal, intercostal, and subcostal)
 	
3: Severe retractions (suprasternal, intercostal, subcostal, and sternal)

Oxygen Saturation: The child’s oxygen saturation level is measured and scored as follows:

 	
0: >94%
 	
1: 91-94%
 	
2: <91%

Based on these parameters, the nurse can calculate the PAS score and assess the severity of the child’s asthma exacerbation. A score of 0-3 indicates mild exacerbation, 4-7 indicates moderate exacerbation and 8-12 indicates severe exacerbation.

The PAS score is a useful tool for healthcare professionals to monitor the child’s response to treatment and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. A higher score may require more aggressive treatment, such as oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, or systemic corticosteroids, while a lower score may indicate that the child’s symptoms are under control and may not require additional interventions.

It is important to note that the PAS score is just one part of the overall assessment of the child’s condition and should be used in conjunction with other clinical indicators and the child’s medical history.
Chief Complaint (Patient):
The chief complaint is the primary reason for the patient seeking medical attention. In the case of Gabriel Martinez, who is experiencing an asthma exacerbation, his chief complaint may include shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Gabriel or his guardian may describe feeling like he is “wheezing more than usual” or that he is “having trouble catching his breath.”

To fully understand the nature and severity of Gabriel’s chief complaint, you can ask further questions to gather more information. For example, you can ask about the timing of the symptoms (i.e. when they started, how long they have been going on), any triggers that may have led to the exacerbation (i.e. exposure to allergens or irritants), and any previous episodes of asthma exacerbation or hospitalizations. You can also ask about any recent changes in medications or other factors that may have contributed to the exacerbation.

It’s important to listen carefully to the patient or their guardian to get a clear understanding of their chief complaint and any accompanying symptoms. By gathering this information, you can determine the appropriate course of action and provide effective treatment and management of the patient’s asthma exacerbation.
History of Present Illness (Patient):
The history of present illness (HPI) is a detailed account of the patient’s current symptoms and the progression of their illness. In the case of Gabriel Martinez, his HPI may include a description of his asthma symptoms, such as the frequency, duration, and severity of his episodes, as well as any recent changes in symptoms.

When taking Gabriel’s HPI, it’s important to ask questions to gather as much information as possible. Some relevant questions to ask may include:

 	
When did you first start experiencing these symptoms?
 	
Have your symptoms gotten worse over time or stayed the same?
 	
Do you have any triggers that seem to make your symptoms worse?
 	
Have you been taking your asthma medications as prescribed?
 	
Have you experienced any other respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing?
 	
Have you had any recent asthma exacerbations that required medical attention or hospitalization?

In addition to gathering information on the current symptoms, it’s important to ask about any relevant medical history, such as previous hospitalizations or surgeries, allergies, and chronic medical conditions. This information can help guide treatment decisions and ensure that any potential risk factors are taken into consideration.

By taking a thorough history of the present illness, healthcare providers can gain a better understanding of the patient’s condition and provide appropriate treatment and management.
Home Medications (Patient):
The home medications part of the patient’s medical history involves gathering information on any medications the patient is currently taking to manage their asthma or other health conditions. For Gabriel Martinez, this may include medications such as inhaled bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and leukotriene modifiers.

When gathering information on home medications, it’s important to ask about the name of the medication, the dose, and the frequency of administration. It’s also important to ask how long the patient has been taking the medication, if they have experienced any side effects, and if they have noticed any improvement in their symptoms since starting the medication.

In addition to prescription medications, it’s important to ask about any over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, or other treatments the patient may be taking. This information can help healthcare providers identify potential drug interactions or other risks associated with the patient’s current medication regimen.

It’s important to stress the importance of adhering to medication regimens, especially for chronic conditions such as asthma. Patients should be advised to take their medications as prescribed and to keep a record of when they take each medication to avoid missing doses. They should also be instructed on proper medication administration techniques, such as using a spacer device with their inhaler.

By gathering information on the patient’s home medications, healthcare providers can ensure that they are providing appropriate treatment and management for the patient’s condition, and identify any potential medication-related issues that may need to be addressed.
Social History (Patient):
The social history part of the patient’s medical history involves gathering information on the patient’s lifestyle and habits that may have an impact on their health. For Gabriel Martinez, this may include factors such as his living environment, occupational exposure, and any lifestyle habits that may contribute to his asthma symptoms.

When gathering social history information, healthcare providers may ask questions about:

 	
Living environment: Does the patient live in a home with pets, smokers, or mold? Is there adequate ventilation in the home?
 	
Occupational exposures: Does the patient work in an environment with exposure to dust, chemicals, or other irritants that may trigger asthma symptoms?
 	
Lifestyle habits: Does the patient smoke or use other tobacco products? Do they engage in physical activity or exercise regularly? Do they follow a healthy diet?
 	
Social support: Does the patient have a support system in place to help manage their asthma? Do they have access to transportation to attend medical appointments?

It’s important to note that social history information can have a significant impact on the patient’s health and well-being. For example, exposure to secondhand smoke or occupational irritants may exacerbate asthma symptoms, while engaging in regular physical activity and following a healthy diet may help to improve overall lung function and reduce symptoms.

By gathering information on the patient’s social history, healthcare providers can develop a comprehensive treatment plan that takes into account any environmental or lifestyle factors that may be contributing to the patient’s condition. They can also provide counseling and resources to help the patient make positive changes that may improve their overall health and quality of life.
Review of Relevant Systems (Patient):
The review of relevant systems (ROS) is a structured approach used to gather information about the patient’s overall health and to identify any additional symptoms or conditions that may be related to their chief complaint. This part of the patient’s medical history involves gathering information on various body systems and their related symptoms.

For Gabriel Martinez, a review of relevant systems may involve asking questions about:

 	
Respiratory system: In addition to asthma symptoms, does the patient experience cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain?
 	
Cardiovascular system: Does the patient experience any chest pain or discomfort, palpitations, or shortness of breath with exertion?
 	
Gastrointestinal system: Does the patient experience any nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain?
 	
Neurological system: Does the patient experience any headaches, dizziness, or weakness?
 	
Musculoskeletal system: Does the patient experience any joint pain or stiffness, muscle weakness, or difficulty with mobility?
 	
Skin and hair: Does the patient have any rashes, lesions, or changes in skin color or texture?

By gathering information on the patient’s review of relevant systems, healthcare providers can identify any additional symptoms or conditions that may be related to the patient’s chief complaint. This can help to guide further diagnostic testing or treatment planning.

It’s important to note that a thorough review of relevant systems should be conducted for every patient, regardless of their chief complaint. This can help to identify any underlying health conditions or concerns that may require further evaluation or management.
History of Present Illness (Guardian):
The history of present illness (HPI) by Gabriel’s guardian is an important aspect of the patient assessment that can provide valuable information about Gabriel’s current asthma exacerbation. Here are some key questions to ask during the HPI assessment:

Onset:

 	
When did Gabriel’s asthma symptoms begin to worsen?
 	
Were there any identifiable triggers that led to the onset of Gabriel’s symptoms?

Symptoms:

 	
What symptoms is Gabriel experiencing, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness?

Are Gabriel’s symptoms constant or intermittent?

Duration:

 	
How long has Gabriel’s current episode of asthma symptoms been going on?
 	
Has Gabriel experienced similar symptoms in the past, and if so, how long did they last?

Severity:

 	
How severe are Gabriel’s current symptoms on a scale of 1-10?

Have Gabriel’s symptoms been severe enough to require emergency medical treatment or hospitalization in the past?

Response to treatment:

 	
What treatments have been used to manage Gabriel’s symptoms, and how effective have they been?
 	
Have any changes been made to Gabriel’s medication regimen or asthma management plan in response to his current symptoms?

Triggers:

 	
Are there any triggers that seem to exacerbate the patient’s symptoms? These may include exposure to allergens, irritants, changes in weather, or some exercises or physical activities.

It is important to ask these questions to better understand the nature and severity of Gabriel’s asthma exacerbation, as well as any potential triggers or underlying factors that may be contributing to his symptoms. This information can be used to guide further diagnostic testing or treatment planning, as well as to provide education and resources to help the patient and their family manage their symptoms more effectively.
Home Medications (Guardian):
Home medications are an important aspect of the patient assessment that can provide valuable information about Gabriel’s current asthma management plan. Here are some key questions to ask during the home medications assessment:

Asthma medications:

 	
Is Gabriel currently taking any medications to manage his asthma symptoms, such as rescue inhalers, long-acting bronchodilators, or inhaled corticosteroids?
 	
How often is Gabriel taking his medications and are they providing effective symptom relief?

Other medications:

 	
Is Gabriel taking any other medications or supplements that may be affecting his asthma, such as over-the-counter pain medications or herbal remedies?

Adherence:

 	
Does Gabriel consistently take his medications as prescribed, or have there been any issues with adherence?
 	
Are there any barriers to medication adherence that Gabriel’s guardian has identified, such as difficulty remembering to take medications or concerns about side effects?

It is important to ask these questions to ensure that Gabriel is receiving appropriate medication management for his asthma and to identify any potential issues with adherence or effectiveness of his current medication regimen. Knowing about Gabriel’s current medication regimen can help his healthcare providers determine whether his asthma is well-controlled and whether any changes need to be made to his treatment plan. For example, if his asthma symptoms are not well-controlled with his current medication regimen, his healthcare providers may consider adjusting the dosage or adding another medication to better manage his symptoms. Additionally, it can help guide the development of an asthma management plan that includes appropriate medication use and monitoring.
Past Medical History (Guardian):
Past medical history is an important component of the patient assessment that can help identify any previous medical conditions or treatments that may be contributing to Gabriel’s current asthma exacerbation. Here are some key questions to ask during the past medical history assessment:

Medical conditions:

 	
Has Gabriel’s guardian been diagnosed with any medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure?
 	
Has Gabriel’s guardian been hospitalized or had any surgeries in the past?

Allergies:

 	
Does Gabriel’s guardian have any known allergies, such as food allergies or allergies to medications?

Medications:

 	
Is Gabriel’s guardian currently taking any medications or supplements?
 	
Has Gabriel’s guardian taken any medications in the past that may have had an impact on his respiratory system, such as antibiotics or medications for other conditions?

Immunizations:

 	
Is Gabriel’s guardian up-to-date on all recommended immunizations?

It is important to ask these questions to identify any potential underlying health problems or complications that may be contributing to Gabriel’s asthma exacerbation. Additionally, it can help identify any medications or treatments that may need to be adjusted or changed to better manage his asthma symptoms. Knowing about Gabriel’s past medical history can help his healthcare providers understand the severity and chronicity of his asthma, as well as identify any potential risk factors or complications that may impact his treatment. For example, Gabriel’s history of hospitalization for asthma exacerbation indicates that he may be at higher risk for severe asthma attacks and may require more aggressive treatment to prevent future exacerbations. Similarly, his peanut allergy is a potential trigger for asthma exacerbation, and his healthcare providers may need to take this into consideration when developing his treatment plan.
Social History (Guardian):
Social history is an important aspect of the patient assessment that can provide valuable information about Gabriel’s home environment and lifestyle, which may be contributing to his asthma exacerbation. Here are some key questions to ask during the social history assessment:

Occupation:

 	
Does Gabriel’s guardian work in a job that involves exposure to any potential respiratory irritants, such as dust, fumes, or chemicals?

Housing:

 	
Does Gabriel live in a home with pets or have exposure to secondhand smoke?
 	
Is Gabriel’s home in an area with high levels of air pollution or other environmental triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms?

Diet and exercise:

 	
Does Gabriel eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein?
 	
Does Gabriel participate in regular physical activity and exercise?

Substance use:

 	
Does anyone in the household smoke or use tobacco products?
 	
Does Gabriel’s guardian drink alcohol or use recreational drugs?

Mental health:

 	
Does Gabriel’s guardian have a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions that may be affecting his ability to manage Gabriel’s asthma?

It is important to ask these questions to identify any potential environmental or lifestyle factors that may be contributing to Gabriel’s asthma exacerbation. This information can help guide the development of an asthma management plan that addresses both medical and non-medical factors that may be impacting Gabriel’s health.
Family Medical History (Guardian):
Family medical history is an important component of the patient assessment that can help identify any genetic or familial risk factors that may be contributing to Gabriel’s asthma exacerbation. Here are some key questions to ask during the family medical history assessment:

Respiratory conditions:

 	
Has anyone in Gabriel’s immediate family, such as his parents or siblings, been diagnosed with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions?


 	
Has anyone in the family been hospitalized or had any complications related to asthma?

Cardiovascular conditions:

 	
Has anyone in the family been diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure, or stroke?

Endocrine conditions:

 	
Has anyone in the family been diagnosed with diabetes, thyroid disease, or other endocrine disorders?

Gastrointestinal conditions:

 	
Has anyone in the family been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other gastrointestinal conditions?

Neurological conditions:

 	
Has anyone in the family been diagnosed with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease?

Cancer:

 	
Has anyone in the family been diagnosed with any type of cancer?

It is important to ask these questions to determine any potential genetic or familial risk factors that may increase the likelihood of Gabriel developing asthma or other related conditions. Additionally, it can help identify any potential environmental factors or triggers that may be contributing to his asthma exacerbation. Additionally, knowing about Gabriel’s family medical history can help his healthcare providers assess his risk for certain medical conditions and tailor his treatment plan accordingly.
Review of Relevant Systems (Guardian):
A comprehensive review of the patient’s body systems to identify any symptoms related to the chief complaint, as reported by the guardian.

Here are some key questions to ask during the assessment:

Respiratory system:

 	
Have you noticed any coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath in Gabriel recently?
 	
Has Gabriel had any difficulty breathing during exercise or at rest?
 	
Has Gabriel been using his inhaler or nebulizer more frequently than usual?

Cardiovascular system:

 	
Has Gabriel complained of chest pain or discomfort?
 	
Have you noticed any rapid or irregular heartbeats in Gabriel?

Gastrointestinal system:

 	
Has Gabriel had any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
 	
Have you noticed any changes in Gabriel’s appetite or weight?

Urinary system:

 	
Has Gabriel had any difficulty or pain during urination?
 	
Has Gabriel had any changes in his urinary habits or frequency?

Musculoskeletal system:

 	
Has Gabriel complained of any joint pain or stiffness?
 	
Has Gabriel had any difficulty with mobility or range of motion?

Integumentary system:

 	
Has Gabriel had any rashes, hives, or skin lesions?
 	
Have you noticed any changes in Gabriel’s skin color or texture?

Neurological system:

 	
Has Gabriel had any headaches, dizziness, or seizures?
 	
Have you noticed any changes in Gabriel’s behavior or cognitive function?

Endocrine system:

 	
Has Gabriel had any excessive thirst or urination?
 	
Has Gabriel had any changes in his growth or development?

It is important to ask these questions to identify any potential underlying health problems or complications that may be contributing to Gabriel’s asthma exacerbation.
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