RN ATI Adult Medsurg Proctored Exam 2023 With NGN Related

Review RN ATI Adult Medsurg Proctored Exam 2023 With NGN related questions and content

An emergency room nurse is assessing a client who has asthma and difficulty breathing. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing status asthmaticus?

  • A. Mild wheezing
  • B. Use of accessory muscles
  • C. Decreased respiratory rate
  • D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use of accessory muscles. In status asthmaticus, a severe and life-threatening asthma exacerbation, the client's airways are severely constricted, leading to inadequate air exchange. The use of accessory muscles (such as intercostal and supraclavicular muscles) indicates significant respiratory distress as the body tries to compensate for the difficulty in breathing. Mild wheezing (choice A) may be present in asthma but does not necessarily indicate status asthmaticus. Decreased respiratory rate (choice C) is not consistent with the increased respiratory effort seen in status asthmaticus. Productive cough (choice D) is more indicative of conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia, not necessarily status asthmaticus.