A schoolage child who uses a SABA and an inhaled corticosteroid medication is
seen in the clinic for an acute asthma exacerbation. After 4 puffs of an inhaled shortacting B2 agonist (SABA) every 20 minutes for three treatments, spirometry testing shows an FEV1 of 60% of the child's personal best. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner do next?

Question

A school­age child who uses a SABA and an inhaled corticosteroid medication is
seen in the clinic for an acute asthma exacerbation. After 4 puffs of an inhaled short­acting B2­ agonist (SABA) every 20 minutes for three treatments, spirometry testing shows an FEV1 of 60% of the child's personal best. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner do next?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child's FEV1 indicates that the asthma exacerbation is moderate, not severe. Therefore, hospital admission is not necessary. The best course of action in this case is to administer an oral corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and continue the SABA every 3 to 4 hours while closely monitoring the child's symptoms. Repeat spirometry testing should also be considered to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Referral to emergency department is not necessary in this case.

A School­age Child Who Uses a SABA and an Inhaled

A Schoolage Child Who Uses a SABA and an Inhaled