Final Answer:
Auscultating the breath sounds of a child hospitalized for an acute asthma attack, the nurse would expect to find the classic sign of wheezing, a high-pitched, musical sound resulting from narrowed airways during both expiration and, at times, inspiration. 1) Wheezing
Step-by-step explanation:
Auscultation of the breath sounds in a child hospitalized for an acute asthma attack would typically reveal the classic sign of wheezing. Wheezing is a high-pitched, musical sound produced during expiration and sometimes inspiration, resulting from the narrowed airways in the lungs. This occurs due to bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and increased mucus production, common features of an asthma exacerbation. The distinctive wheezing sound is a key clinical indicator of obstructive airway diseases like asthma.
Wheezing is caused by the turbulent airflow through narrowed or constricted airways, and its pitch can vary depending on the degree of obstruction. In the context of asthma, the wheezing is often heard on expiration but can also be present during inspiration. The presence of wheezing helps healthcare professionals, including nurses, in diagnosing and monitoring the severity of the asthma attack. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize and promptly respond to wheezing as part of the comprehensive care plan for managing asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients.
In summary, the nurse would expect to find wheezing while auscultating the breath sounds of a child with an acute asthma attack. Recognizing this classic sign is essential for timely intervention and providing appropriate care to alleviate the symptoms and improve the child's respiratory function.
therefore, the correct answer is 1) Wheezing.