A patient with asthma who has a baseline peak flow reading of 600 mL calls the nurse, stating that the current peak flow is 420 mL. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's peak flow is 70% of normal, indicating a need for immediate use of short-acting b₂-adrenergic SABA medications. Assessing for correct use of medications or exposure to allergens also is appropriate, but would not address the current decrease in peak flow. Because the patient is currently in the yellow zone, hospitalization is not needed.

A Patient with Asthma Who Has a Baseline Peak Flow