A patient with asthma comes to a clinic for treatment of an asthma exacerbation. The patient's medication history lists an inhaled glucocorticoid, montelukast [Singulair], and a SABA as needed via MDI. The nurse assesses the patient and notes a respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute, a heart rate of 96 beats per minute, and an oxygen saturation of 95%. The nurse auscultates mild expiratory wheezes and equal breath sounds bilaterally. What will the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine the next course of action, it is important to assess the drugs given before these symptoms were observed. Patients who continue to wheeze after using a SABA need systemic glucocorticoids and nebulized albuterol. If a SABA has not been used, that will be the first intervention. LABAs are not used for exacerbations. If a patient reports using a SABA without good results, evaluating the MDI technique may be warranted.

A Patient with Asthma Comes to a Clinic for Treatment