The nurse assesses a patient suspected of having an asthma attack. Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of this condition?

The nurse assesses a patient suspected of having an asthma attack. Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of this condition?

1. Audible crackles and orthopnea
2. An audible wheeze and use of accessory muscles
3. Audible crackles and use of accessory muscles
4. Audible wheeze and orthopnea

1. Audible crackles and orthopnea
Incorrect – Crackles indicate fluid in the lungs, which is not a cause of asthma. Orthopnea is not associated with asthma.

Correct Answer:  2. An audible wheeze and use of accessory muscles
Correct – Both of these are associated with asthma.

3. Audible crackles and use of accessory muscles
Incorrect – Crackles indicate fluid in the lungs, which is not a cause of asthma.
4. Audible wheeze and orthopnea
Incorrect – Orthopnea is not associated with asthma.