A 6-year-old patient with asthma has a sudden onset of SOB and wheezing.He presents to the emergency department with a heart rate of 82 beats/min,respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute,and an SpO₂ of 87% on room air.Which of the following actions should the respiratory care practitioner take at this time?
1)Place the patient on oxygen therapy.
2)Intubate the patient.
3)Administer a bronchodilator.
4)Administer nitric oxide therapy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Immediate relief for the patient at this time can be provided by a bronchodilator to help open up the airways and by oxygen to improve the patient's oxygenation status.Intubation and nitric oxide therapy can both be administered to people with asthma; however,these approaches are taken when the others do not work for the patient and depend on the severity of the patient's condition.

A 6-Year-Old Patient with Asthma Has a Sudden Onset of SOB