What should be monitored continuously in a person having an asthma attack?

What should be monitored continuously in a person having an asthma attack?

• A. Heart Rate
• B. Oxygen Levels
• C. Respiration Rate
• D. Blood Pressure

Answer: (B)

Monitoring oxygen levels continuously during an asthma attack is crucial because individuals with asthma experience airway constriction, which can significantly impair their ability to get enough oxygen. During an attack, the lungs struggle to effectively exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide, leading to hypoxia—a state where the body's tissues are not receiving enough oxygen. By tracking oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter or similar device, healthcare providers can assess how well the patient is breathing and whether they require immediate interventions, such as bronchodilators or supplemental oxygen. Keeping a close eye on these levels helps ensure timely treatments and interventions to restore adequate oxygenation and prevent further complications. While heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure are important vital signs to consider during an asthma attack, they are secondary to the immediate concern of the patient's oxygen saturation, which directly affects their respiratory function and overall health.

Monitoring oxygen levels continuously during an asthma attack is crucial because individuals with asthma experience airway constriction, which can significantly impair their ability to get enough oxygen. During an attack, the lungs struggle to effectively exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide, leading to hypoxia—a state where the body's tissues are not receiving enough oxygen.

By tracking oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter or similar device, healthcare providers can assess how well the patient is breathing and whether they require immediate interventions, such as bronchodilators or supplemental oxygen. Keeping a close eye on these levels helps ensure timely treatments and interventions to restore adequate oxygenation and prevent further complications.

While heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure are important vital signs to consider during an asthma attack, they are secondary to the immediate concern of the patient's oxygen saturation, which directly affects their respiratory function and overall health.