Question

A pediatric client who has asthma is brought to the emergency room. He is unable to speak, has shortness of breath, and has diminished breath sounds. Based on the assessment findings, what type of asthma exacerbation is the client experiencing?

1) Moderate
2) Severe
3) Minimal
4) Mild

Answer 1

The pediatric client described with the inability to speak, shortness of breath, and diminished breath sounds is experiencing a severe asthma exacerbation that requires immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pediatric client who is unable to speak, has shortness of breath, and has diminished breath sounds is experiencing a severe asthma exacerbation. In such cases, the symptoms are intense, and the patient typically requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms are beyond what would be classified as moderate and certainly more severe than mild or minimal presentations. During a severe asthma exacerbation, a patient may experience a significant reduction in lung function, leading to cyanosis (blue lips or face), confusion, drowsiness, and severe anxiety, which necessitate urgent medical intervention.