A nurse is caring for a 16-year-old adolescent who just received rescue medication for an asthma exacerbation. Prior to the medication administration. nursing assessment revealed tearfulness, a respiratory rate of 32/min, wheezing in all lobes, oxygen saturation level of 91% on room air, inability to speak, and nasal flaring. The nurse should recognize that which of the following manifestations would indicate the client's condition is improving?

A. A decreasing oxygen saturation indicates worsening hypoxemia, which is a sign that the asthma exacerbation is not improving. An improving condition would show an upward trend in oxygen saturation toward normal levels (≥ 95%). B. Improvement in an asthma exacerbation is reflected by reduced respiratory distress, decreased anxiety, and the ability to speak in full sentences. A calm demeanor and clear communication indicate that the airway obstruction is resolving, oxygenation is improving, and the rescue medication is effective. C. An increasing respiratory rate suggests the adolescent is still in distress, working harder to breathe, and the asthma exacerbation is not yet under control. Improvement would be indicated by a respiratory rate trending toward normal for age (12–20/min for adolescents). D. Frequent position changes can indicate continued discomfort or difficulty breathing. While repositioning may occasionally help, it is not a reliable indicator of improvement in an acute asthma exacerbation.