Case study: Adult with severe asthma exacerbation. A 24-year-old arrives in the ED with severe wheezing, accessory-muscle use, and difficulty speaking. After repeated nebulizer treatments, the wheezing becomes faint and the client looks exhausted. Which finding in this case is the highest priority for the nurse to address first?

Question

Accepted Answer

A. decreasing air movement with rising fatigue — In this case, the highest-priority finding is decreasing air movement with rising fatigue because it most directly threatens safety or signals clinical deterioration.

Answer

B. heart rate 108/min after treatment

Answer

C. mild hand tremor after albuterol

Answer

D. request for a sip of water