A patient with severe asthma suddenly has very little air movement and the previously heard wheezing becomes absent. The patient remains severely breathless. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer: A. Report possible critical airway obstruction immediately
- A. Report possible critical airway obstruction immediately
- B. Encourage the patient to drink warm fluids
- C. Place the patient flat to reduce oxygen demand
- D. Document the change as improvement in bronchospasm
Explanation
A silent chest with ongoing severe dyspnea may mean critically reduced airflow, not recovery. The nurse should call for urgent assistance and prepare for rapid treatment because airway and breathing are threatened.
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About Respiratory Nursing
Covers nursing assessment and management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleural disorders and respiratory failure. Key areas include breath sounds, oxygen therapy, airway suctioning, inhaled medicines, arterial blood gases and the difference between hypoxia, hypoxemia and carbon dioxide retention.
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