The nurse recognizes that intubation and mechanical ventilation are indicated for a patient experiencing a severe asthma attach when which one of the following changes occurs?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When fatigue leads to increased hypercapnia and hypoxemia, it indicates that the patient's respiratory muscles are becoming fatigued and unable to maintain adequate ventilation. This is a sign of impending respiratory failure and warrants intubation and mechanical ventilation. Ventricular dysrhythmias, hyperinflated thorax, and pulsus paradoxus may occur in severe asthma attacks, but they may not indicate the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation.

The Nurse Recognizes That Intubation and Mechanical Ventilation Are Indicated