The client is a 22-year-old female with a history of asthma.

She was diagnosed at the age of 4 years old and has 2 previous hospitalizations for asthma related symptoms at ages 14 and 16. She denies smoking but drinks alcohol 1 to 2 times a week.

She reports taking edible marijuana to relieve severe premenstrual symptoms.

She came to the emergency department when she started having difficulty breathing on a hike.

She took her usual dose of albuterol, but the symptoms did not resolve.

The client’s friend called an ambulance when they noticed her difficulty in breathing.

Click to highlight the assessment findings that require immediate follow up by the nurse.

• The client is admitted to the medical floor.
• She has mild subcostal retractions and is sitting in an upright position.
• Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields.
• The client is pale.
• She has strong peripheral pulses that are equal bilaterally.
• Her heart rate is 122 beats/minute, blood pressure 134/85 mm Hg. Oxygen saturation is 91% on room air.

The assessment findings that require immediate follow up by the nurse are: The client has mild subcostal retractions. This could indicate that she is using accessory muscles to breathe, which is a sign of respiratory distress. The client is sitting in an upright position. This is a common position for people who are having difficulty breathing because it allows for maximum expansion of the lungs. Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields. Wheezing can be a sign of an obstructive process such as asthma. The client is pale. Paleness can be a sign of decreased oxygenation. Her heart rate is 122 beats/minute, which is above the normal range and can indicate that her body is working harder to get oxygen. Her oxygen saturation is 91% on room air. Normal oxygen saturation is generally 95% or higher, so this could indicate that she is not getting enough oxygen.