Asthma: Assessment Findings

• What are the common symptoms of an asthma attack?

  Progressive dyspnea, cough, chest tightness
• What does a decrease in SpO2 indicate during an asthma attack?

  It indicates reduced oxygen saturation in blood
• What does tachypnea refer to in the context of asthma?

  Increased respiratory rate
• What is hyperventilation during an asthma attack?

  Rapid breathing leading to decreased carbon dioxide
• What physical sign indicates the use of accessory muscles during an asthma attack?

  Increased effort in breathing
• What does hyperresonance on percussion indicate in asthma patients?

  Air trapping within the lungs
• What does a decrease in breath sounds signify during an asthma attack?

  Reduced airflow in the lungs
• What is a common auditory sign of an asthma attack?

  Wheezing
• What does diaphoresis indicate during an asthma attack?

  Excessive sweating due to distress
• Why might anxiety occur during an asthma attack?

  Due to difficulty in breathing and distress
• What does it mean if a patient is in obvious distress but no wheezing is heard?

  It indicates a life-threatening situation
• What does severe obstruction in airflow during an asthma attack lead to?

  Respiratory failure if untreated