Exhibits

The nurse reviews the client's history of the presenting illness in the electronic medical record. Highlight the pieces of key subjective data which indicate the client is in need of health interventions.

A 34-year-old male client presents to the emergency department (ED) for an asthma attack that began after jogging through a local park. The client is able to answer questions every few words to catch his breath. He reports using his rescue inhaler three times, but he couldn't catch his breath. He reports that his symptoms are worse when outdoors and when exercising, and episodes like this make him extremely nervous. He says that it has been a couple of months since his last asthma attack, and he came to the ED today because he noticed his inhaler was expired and was worried the medication was not working.

Rationale for correct answers:

1. "The client is able to answer questions every few words to catch his breath."
   • Indicates severe shortness of breath, which requires immediate medical attention.
2. "He reports using his rescue inhaler three times, but he couldn't catch his breath."
   • Demonstrates that his asthma attack is not responding to usual interventions, indicating the need for additional or advanced treatment.
3. "He says that it has been a couple of months since his last asthma attack, and he came to the ED today because he noticed his inhaler was expired and was worried the medication was not working."
   • Highlights a lapse in medication management (expired inhaler), suggesting the need for health education and prescription renewal.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

1. "Episodes like this make him extremely nervous."
   • While anxiety is relevant, it is a secondary issue compared to the physiological needs in this situation.
2. "The client presents to the emergency department (ED) for an asthma attack that began after jogging through a local park."
   • The activity triggering the attack (jogging) is not an immediate factor needing intervention but rather an avoidable trigger to address long-term.
3. "He reports that his symptoms are worse when outdoors and when exercising."
   • While important for identifying triggers, this is not an immediate priority for intervention in the emergency setting.