Physiological Adaptation Q 77
A 19-year-old patient comes to the ED with acute asthma. His respiratory rate is 44 breaths/minute, and he appears to be in acute respiratory distress. Which of the following actions should you take first?
A. Take a full medical history.
B. Give a bronchodilator by nebulizer.
C. Apply a cardiac monitor to the patient.
D. Provide emotional support for the patient.
Correct Answer: B. Give a bronchodilator by nebulizer.
The patient having an acute asthma attack needs more oxygen delivered to his lungs and body. Nebulized bronchodilators open airways and increase the amount of oxygen delivered.
Options A and D: Important but not a priority as of the moment; emotional support can help calm the patient but can be done after medical intervention.
Option C: The patient may not need cardiac monitoring because he’s only 19 years old unless he has a medical history of cardiac problems.