Nr571 Midterm Questions Exam Questions (82 Terms) With Verified Definitions Updated 2024

A 16-year-old patient with a history of mild, intermittent asthma is seen in the emergency room complaining of shortness of breath. She normally only needs her albuterol inhaler before exercise, but she is using it now 2-3 times per day for 3 days. Upon examination, the AGACNP notes the patient's appearance as calm but tachypneic. HR is 108, O2 saturation on room air is 91 %. A bedside peak expiratory flow measurement reveals FEV1 at 58 % of her personal best. The AGACNP should classify this patient's asthma as which of the following? A. mild/moderate B. severe C. life-threatening D. the severity cannot be determined with the information given {Ans: A. mild/moderate Rationale: The patient in the above example exhibits all of the expecting findings of a patient with mild to moderate asthma as noted in the following table: Mild or Moderate Talks in phrases, prefers to sit rather than lying down, not agitated, no accessory muscle use, HR 100-120, O2 saturation 90-95 % on room air > 50% of predicted or personal best Severe Talks in words, leans forward when sitting, appears agitated, RR>30/min, accessory muscle usage, HR>120, O2 saturation< 90% on room air < 50 % of