Assessment of Asthma: Video, Anatomy, Definition & Function | Osmosis

Question

An 11-year-old girl is brought to the emergency department by her parent due to acute-onset wheezing and shortness of breath. The patient was visiting her neighbor, who recently got a pet kitten, when she suddenly started feeling short of breath. Past medical history is significant for asthma, and she has normally found relief after using an albuterol inhaler. However, the inhaler has been ineffective during the current episode. Temperature is 37.0&#176;C (98.6&#176;F), pulse is 94/min, respirations are 22/min, blood pressure is 132/84 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation is 95% on room air. Physical examination reveals accessory muscle use while breathing. Diffuse expiratory wheezes are heard bilaterally on chest auscultation. The patient is re-evaluated in 10 minutes. Which of the following findings, if present on repeat examination, is most concerning for impending respiratory failure? &#160;

Accepted Answer

Absent wheezing&#160;

Answer

Tachypnea

Answer

Wheezing throughout expiration and inspiration

Answer

Accessory muscle use

Answer

Drop in systolic blood pressure during inspiration&#160;

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Asthma

Pathology

Immune system