Final answer:
Excessive sleepiness following a severe asthma attack may indicate respiratory fatigue or hypoxemia, conditions that can lead to serious complications and require immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who has just experienced a severe asthma attack and is now very sleepy may be showing signs of respiratory fatigue or decreased oxygen in the bloodstream. During an asthma attack, the airways narrow and may become clogged with mucus, which makes breathing difficult. This can lead to hypoxemia, where not enough oxygen reaches the tissues, and can cause symptoms such as confusion, drowsiness, and in severe cases, cyanosis (blue lips or face). The severity of these symptoms, especially sleepiness following an attack, may indicate the need for immediate medical attention to ensure that the patient is not in danger of respiratory failure or other complications.