Question

A patient with a history of asthma presents to the ED in severe respiratory distress and increased accessory muscle use. Vital signs are heart rate 110/min, respiratory rate 32/min and SpO2 of 88% on room air. Bilateral expiratory wheezes are heard on auscultation. The respiratory therapist should recommend initiating

A. Xopenex® by MDI
B. Pulmacort® by small volume nebulizer
C. Salmeterol® by DPI
D. Ventolin ® by continuous nebulization

Answer 1

In this case, the patient is presenting with severe respiratory distress and increased accessory muscle use, along with vital signs indicating tachycardia (elevated heart rate), tachypnea (elevated respiratory rate), The respiratory therapist should recommend initiating Ventolin® by continuous nebulization to treat the patient's acute exacerbation of asthma.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this case, the patient is presenting with severe respiratory distress and increased accessory muscle use, along with vital signs indicating tachycardia (elevated heart rate), tachypnea (elevated respiratory rate), and low oxygen saturation.

These symptoms and findings are consistent with an acute exacerbation of asthma. The respiratory therapist should recommend initiating Ventolin® by continuous nebulization. Ventolin®, also known as albuterol, is a fast-acting bronchodilator that helps to open up the airways and relieve the symptoms of asthma.