The nurse is providing care for a patient admitted for a lower respiratory infection. On admission, the patient's vital signs were blood pressure (BP) 140/80 mm Hg. apical pulse (AP) 112 beats/minute, respirations (R) 32 breaths/minute, and pain level of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. After assisting the patient to bed and applying the prescribed oxygen, which finding helps the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of nursing care?

B. Beta-blocking medications, such as propranolol and metoprolol, can worsen asthma symptoms in some individuals by constricting the airways. Patients with asthma should avoid or use caution with beta-blockers, especially non-selective ones, as they can trigger or exacerbate asthma attacks.
C. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a well-established trigger for asthma symptoms and can exacerbate respiratory inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Patients with asthma should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke whenever possible to reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations.
D. Carpeting and drapes can harbor dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens that can trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. Patients with asthma may benefit from removing carpeting and minimizing soft furnishings in the bedroom to reduce exposure to allergens and improve air quality.
E. Pets, particularly those with fur or feathers, can be potent allergens for individuals with asthma. Patients with asthma should consider removing pets from the home or at least keeping them out of the bedroom to minimize exposure to pet dander.
A. Cardiovascular exercise can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals but it is not typically recommended to eliminate exercise altogether. Instead, patients with asthma should be encouraged to engage in physical activities that are well-tolerated and to use appropriate preventive measures, such as pre-exercise bronchodilator therapy and warm-up exercises, to minimize symptoms.

C. Persistent shortness of breath after using an inhaler could indicate an inadequate response to treatment or worsening asthma exacerbation. The nurse should therefore see this patient first.
A. In COPD patients pulse oximetry oxygen saturations of more than 90% are acceptable. In the treatment of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), oxygen should be titrated to achieve a target oxygen saturation range of 88-92%. This results in a greater than twofold reduction in mortality, compared with the routine administration of high-concentration oxygen therapy.
B. Administering antibiotics can be prioritized, but it may not require immediate attention compared to addressing acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia.
D. Collecting a sputum specimen for laboratory analysis is important for diagnosing and managing respiratory infections, but it may not be as time-sensitive as addressing acute respiratory distress or hypoxemia.