Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

A 25-year-old patient arrives in the emergency department with difficulty breathing, a wheezing sound upon auscultation, and a history of asthma. The patient's respiratory rate is 30 breaths per minute, SpO2 is 89% on room air, and they appear to be in acute distress. What is the BEST initial treatment option for this patient?

  • Administer inhaled anticholinergics

  • Begin nebulized short-acting beta-agonists

  • Give systemic corticosteroids

  • Administer high-flow oxygen

This question's topic:
BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) / 
Respiratory Emergencies
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