A client is admitted with an exacerbation of asthma following a respiratory viral illness. Which clinical manifestations characteristic of a severe asthma attack does the nurse expect to assess? Select all that apply.

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11ecbb05_ca5d_fb1a_b433_3d693b325dbe_MD0009_00 Asthma is an obstructive lung disease characterized by hyperreactive airways and chronic inflammation. Asthma exacerbations occur due to various triggers (eg, allergens, respiratory infection, exercise, cold air), resulting in edema, hypersecretion of mucus, and bronchospasm. Narrowing of the airways culminates in increased airway resistance, air trapping, and lung hyperinflation. In severe asthma, breath sounds may be diminished due to closure of bronchioles. Absent breath sounds in a client with asthma are a medical emergency. Clinical manifestations of an asthma exacerbation include: Accessory respiratory muscle use related to increased work of breathing and diaphragm fatigue (Option A) Chest tightness related to air trapping (Option B) Chest tightness related to air trapping (Option B) Cough from airway inflammation and increased mucus production Cough from airway inflammation and increased mucus production Diminished breath sounds related to hyperinflation Diminished breath sounds related to hyperinflation High-pitched expiratory wheezing caused by narrowing airways (Option C); wheezing may be heard on both inspiration and expiration as asthma worsens High-pitched expiratory wheezing caused by narrowing airways (Option C); wheezing may be heard on both inspiration and expiration as asthma worsens Tachypnea related to inability to take a full, deep breath (Option E) Tachypnea related to inability to take a full, deep breath (Option E) (Option D) Clients with obstructive lung disease (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) develop prolonged expiratory phase as a physiologic response to hyperinflation and trapped air. Educational objective: Asthma is an obstructive lung disease characterized by hyperreactive airways and chronic inflammation. Clinical manifestations of an asthma exacerbation include accessory respiratory muscle use, chest tightness, diminished breath sounds, high-pitched wheezing on expiration, prolonged expiratory phase, tachypnea, and cough.

A Client Is Admitted with an Exacerbation of Asthma Following