AE-C flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

FEV1/FVC obstruction threshold

In adults, a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70 supports airflow obstruction; using the lower limit of normal is preferred in children and young adults.

Bronchodilator reversibility criterion

A positive bronchodilator response is an increase in FEV1 of at least 12 percent and at least 200 mL after a short-acting beta-2 agonist.

Peak flow green zone

Green zone means peak expiratory flow is at least 80 percent of the patient's personal best, indicating asthma is in the controlled range.

ACT controlled cutoff

On the Asthma Control Test, a score of 20 or higher indicates controlled asthma; 16 to 19 is not well controlled; 15 or lower is very poorly controlled.

C-ACT score range

The Childhood Asthma Control Test ranges from 0 to 27; 20 or higher is controlled, 16 to 19 not well controlled, and 15 or lower very poorly controlled.

FeNO interpretation levels

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide of 50 ppb or more is high in adults, 25 to 49 intermediate, and below 25 low; values help predict inhaled corticosteroid response.

Methacholine challenge PC20

A PC20 of 16 mg/mL or less supports airway hyperresponsiveness; a negative methacholine challenge has a high negative predictive value for current asthma.

Teach-back method

Teach-back asks the patient to explain or demonstrate information in their own words; it verifies understanding and reveals gaps before the visit ends.

Inhaler technique check frequency

Inhaler technique should be observed and corrected at every asthma visit because poor technique is associated with uncontrolled symptoms and increased exacerbations.

Written asthma action plan

A written asthma action plan gives individualized green, yellow, and red zone instructions for medications and when to seek care; every patient should receive one.

Health literacy plain language

Use plain language at about a fifth- to sixth-grade reading level, limit teaching to three key points, and use pictures to support understanding.

Spacer with metered-dose inhaler

A spacer improves lung deposition from a metered-dose inhaler and reduces oropharyngeal side effects such as thrush and hoarseness from inhaled corticosteroids.

Adherence barrier assessment

Ask about cost, fear of corticosteroids, forgetfulness, complex regimens, and cultural beliefs; identifying the specific barrier guides a targeted solution.

Self-management education effect

Structured self-management education with a written action plan reduces emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and missed school or work days.

Dust mite control measures

Encase mattresses and pillows, wash bedding weekly in water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep indoor humidity below 50 percent to reduce dust mites.

Cockroach allergen control

Integrated pest management uses sealing cracks, removing food and water sources, and targeted baits; it reduces cockroach allergen in inner-city homes.

Indoor humidity mold target

Keep indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent and dry water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold growth.

Pollen and ozone avoidance

Check the air quality index; when pollen or ozone levels are high, keep windows closed and avoid prolonged outdoor exertion, especially in the afternoon.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction prevention

A warm-up, a face mask in cold air, and a pre-exercise short-acting beta-2 agonist or inhaled corticosteroid-formoterol can reduce exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can trigger severe bronchospasm in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease; beta-blockers may also worsen asthma.

GINA no SABA-only rule

Current GINA guidance states that adults and adolescents with asthma should not receive short-acting beta-2 agonist-only treatment; all should receive inhaled corticosteroid-containing therapy.

MART regimen definition

Maintenance and reliever therapy uses the same inhaled corticosteroid-formoterol inhaler for daily maintenance and as needed relief, reducing severe exacerbations.

LABA asthma prescribing rule

Long-acting beta-2 agonists must not be used as monotherapy in asthma; they are prescribed only in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid.

Montelukast safety warning

Montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist; the US boxed warning describes serious neuropsychiatric events including agitation, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Omalizumab mechanism

Omalizumab is a monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin E antibody that binds free IgE, preventing mast cell activation; it is used for severe allergic asthma.

Systemic corticosteroid course

A short oral corticosteroid course for an asthma exacerbation is typically 5 to 7 days; tapering is not needed when the course is shorter than 2 weeks.

MDI actuation technique

Shake the inhaler, exhale fully, seal lips, press the canister while inhaling slowly and deeply, then hold the breath about 10 seconds.

Asthma action plan zones

Green zone indicates control, yellow zone indicates worsening symptoms or peak flow of 50 to 79 percent of best, and red zone indicates severe distress requiring urgent care.

Post-exacerbation follow-up timing

Schedule a follow-up visit within 2 to 7 days after an asthma exacerbation to review symptoms, inhaler technique, adherence, and the action plan.

Step-up asthma therapy rule

Before stepping up therapy, confirm adherence, inhaler technique, and trigger exposure; step up when asthma remains uncontrolled despite correct use of current treatment.

Asthma specialist referral criteria

Refer for difficult-to-treat or severe asthma, frequent exacerbations, intensive care admission, suspected alternative diagnosis, or consideration of biologic therapy.

School asthma action plan

Provide the school with a copy of the written asthma action plan and medication authorization so staff can respond to symptoms and emergencies.