A school-age child with asthma came to the emergency department with a respiratory rate of 44 breaths/minute and wheezes heard throughout.After two breathing treatments,the nurse assesses a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute and hears no wheezing.The child is lying quietly on the bed.What action by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This respiratory rate is too low for a child of any age and is indicative of exhaustion and the inability to breathe effectively.The absence of wheezes may indicate lack of ventilation.The nurse should obtain an oxygen saturation and notify the provider immediately.Without action,the child could progress to respiratory arrest.There is no indication that the child needs another breathing treatment.

A School-Age Child with Asthma Came to the Emergency Department