Final answer:
A nursing assessment for an adolescent with asthma and acute bronchitis includes auscultation of lung sounds, measuring peak expiratory flow rate, assessing oxygen saturation levels using a pulse oximeter, reviewing the medical history, and analyzing a sputum culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
A thorough nursing assessment of a patient's pulmonary status who is an adolescent with a history of asthma and is currently being treated for acute bronchitis will include several key steps to evaluate the respiratory system effectively:
- Auscultation of lung sounds: This involves using a stethoscope to listen for abnormal lung sounds like wheezing, crackles, or decreased breath sounds that may indicate complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
- Measurement of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR): This is a test that measures how fast a person can exhale and is useful in monitoring asthma conditions.
- Assessment of oxygen saturation levels: Using a pulse oximeter, a device that clips onto a patient’s finger, the nurse can measure the level of oxygen in the blood to ensure that the patient's airways are not severely obstructed by mucus, leading to insufficient oxygenation.
- Review of the patient's medical history: This includes understanding the patient's asthma history, triggers, previous hospitalizations, medications, and any other associated health conditions.
- Analysis of sputum culture: Collecting a sputum sample can help identify the presence of bacteria or viruses that may cause or exacerbate respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.