The assessment findings of a 5-year-old with a history of asthma include extreme shortness of breath,nasal flaring,coughing,pulsus paradoxus,and use of accessory respiratory muscles.There is no wheezing and the chest is silent in many areas.How should you interpret your assessment?
A) The child probably has consolidated pneumonia; oxygen should be started immediately.
B) Since there is not wheezing, asthma is the problem, but oxygen should be started immediately anyway.
C) The signs and symptoms are consistent with asthma; start oxygen and then check to see that your stethoscope is working properly.
D) The child may be having such a severe asthma episode that the airways are closed, so start oxygen and get the doctor immediately.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The airway inflammation,edema,and bronchoconstriction of acute asthma may occlude small airways completely,so that no air is moving,which requires emergency intervention.Alicia has a history of asthma rather than pneumonia.Asthma can occur without wheezing.This is an emergency situation that requires you to start oxygen and notify the physician.

The Assessment Findings of a 5-Year-Old with a History of Asthma