Question 1

Which clinical findings are worrisome in a patient experiencing acute bronchospasm, requiring immediate treatment? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) A silent chest after previously wheezing&#10;B) Decreasing blood pressure&#10;C) Presence of an urticarial rash&#10;D) Pulsus paradoxus of 10 mm Hg&#10;E) Wheezing on both inspiration and expiration

Accepted Answer

A, B, C

Question 2

Which symptom in a patient diagnosed with asthma indicates severe bronchospasm?&#10;A) Breathlessness with minimal activity or eating&#10;B) Pausing to breathe while attempting to talk&#10;C) Repetitive, spasmodic coughing at night&#10;D) Wheezing after exposure to a trigger

Accepted Answer

Pausing to breathe while attempting to talk indicates severe bronchospasm and difficulty in getting air in and out of the lungs. The other symptoms listed may be present in patients with asthma but do not necessarily indicate severe bronchospasm.

Question 3

A patient diagnosed with asthma has been prescribed three bronchodilator treatments but continues to experience wheezing and shortness of breath. The health care provider caring for the patient notes an oxygen saturation of 90% on room air. What action is indicated?

A) Administer oxygen and continue to monitor the patient.
B) Contact the respiratory therapist to administer another treatment.
C) Notify the patient's physician immediately.
D) Reassure the patient that the treatments will take effect soon.

C

Accepted Answer

An oxygen saturation of 90% on room air indicates hypoxemia and requires immediate attention. The patient's physician should be notified immediately to adjust the treatment plan. Administering oxygen and continuing to monitor the patient is not enough as the underlying cause of the hypoxemia needs to be addressed. Contacting the respiratory therapist for another treatment may be appropriate, but the physician should be notified first. Reassuring the patient is not appropriate as the situation requires urgent attention.

Deck 22: Acute Bronchospasm