A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client Exhibits

Potential Condition: The client presents with episodic wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and nighttime dry cough, which are hallmark features of asthma. COPD usually involves chronic productive cough, history of smoking, and progressive dyspnea. Pulmonary edema presents with crackles, pink frothy sputum, and severe respiratory distress, which are not present here. Actions to Take: Prepare to administer a bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol) to relieve acute bronchospasm. Measure peak airflow to assess airway obstruction and evaluate treatment effectiveness. Parameters to Monitor: Respiratory status is critical to detect worsening hypoxia or impending respiratory failure. Peak expiratory flow provides an objective measure of airway obstruction and improvement after treatment.