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A healthcare professional assesses a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

  • A. Loud wheezing
  • B. Increased respiratory rate
  • C. Use of accessory muscles
  • D. Silent chest
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Silent chest. This finding indicates severe airway obstruction and impending respiratory failure, requiring immediate intervention to prevent respiratory arrest. Silent chest means minimal or absent breath sounds, suggesting no air movement, which is a critical emergency situation. Wheezing (A), increased respiratory rate (B), and use of accessory muscles (C) are common in asthma attacks but do not indicate as severe a condition as a silent chest. Monitoring and addressing a silent chest promptly is crucial in managing acute asthma exacerbations.