Question

A client with asthma has low pitched wheezes present on the final half of exhalation. One hour later the client has high pitched wheezes extending throughout exhalation. This change in assessment indicates to the nurse that the client

A) Has increased airway obstruction
B) Has improved airway obstruction
C) Needs to be suctioned
D) Exhibits hyperventilation

Answer 1

The presence of high-pitched wheezes throughout exhalation in an asthma patient indicates an increased airway obstruction. The correct answer is option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

The change from low-pitched wheezes to high-pitched wheezes extending throughout exhalation in a client with asthma suggests that the client has increased airway obstruction. Wheezing is a common symptom of asthma, caused by the narrowing of the airways due to inflammation and muscle contraction around the bronchioles.

Initially, the presence of low-pitched wheezes mainly at the end of exhalation indicated a partial obstruction. However, an hour later, the presence of high-pitched wheezes throughout the entire exhalation process signifies that the obstruction within the airways has become more severe.

Intricate airway obstruction increases the velocity of airflow, which can cause the wheezing sound to increase in pitch. This indicates the need for immediate reassessment of the client's condition and potentially the administration of fast-acting asthma medication to open the airways and ease breathing.