A nurse is assessing a client for hypoxemia during an asthma attack. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

These clients have impaired swallowing, gag reflex, or level of consciousness, which increase their risk of aspiration while eating.

The other options are not correct because:

b. A client who has had prolonged diarrhea does not have a direct risk factor for aspiration, as diarrhea affects the lower gastrointestinal tract and not the upper airway or esophagus.

d. A client who has lactose intolerance does not have a risk factor for aspiration, as lactose intolerance causes abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, or diarrhea when consuming dairy products, but does not affect the ability to swallow or protect the airway.

Administering a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA), such as albuterol, is the priority intervention for the nurse to take, as it provides rapid bronchodilation and relieves bronchospasm, which are the main features of status asthmaticus. Status asthmaticus is a severe and life-threatening asthma attack that does not respond to usual treatment and requires immediate medical attention.

a) Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation is important, but not the priority intervention for the nurse to take. The cause may be an allergen, infection, stress, or exercise, but it does not affect the immediate management of status asthmaticus. The nurse should focus on restoring airway patency and oxygenation first, and then identify and avoid triggers later.
b) Obtaining a peak flow reading is important, but not the priority intervention for the nurse to take. The peak flow reading measures the maximum expiratory flow rate and indicates the degree of airway obstruction. However, it may not be feasible or accurate in a child who is experiencing status asthmaticus, as they may be too dyspneic or agitated to perform the test. The nurse should rely on other signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezes, retractions, cyanosis, or pulse oximetry.
c) Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid is important, but not the priority intervention for the nurse to take. Glucocorticoids, such as fluticasone or budesonide, reduce inflammation and mucus production in the airways, but they have a delayed onset of action and are not effective for acute asthma attacks. They are used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms.