Assessment and management of adults with asthma: guidelines for nurse practitioners.

Asthma is a potentially life-threatening chronic disease requiring consistent and careful management. NPs play a prominent role in diagnosing, managing, and teaching people with asthma. Understanding current theories of pathogenesis, principals of therapeutic management, and patient education is critical to reduce rising asthma morbidity and mortality. When the patient, family members, and the clinician work together in partnership, an optimal individualized treatment plan can be established.