The nurse assesses a client with asthma and finds wheezing throughout the lung fields and decreased pulse oxygen saturation.In addition,the nurse notes suprasternal retraction on inhalation.What is the nurse's best action?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Suprasternal retraction caused by inhalation usually indicates that the client is using accessory muscles and is having difficulty moving air into the respiratory passages because of airway narrowing.Wheezing indicates a narrowed airway; a decreased pulse oxygen saturation also supports this finding.The asthma is not responding to the medication,and intervention is needed.Administration of a rescue inhaler is indicated,probably along with administration of oxygen.The nurse would not do a peak flow reading at this time,nor would a code be called.Midline trachea is a normal and expected finding.

The Nurse Assesses a Client with Asthma and Finds Wheezing