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?
The administration of high-flow oxygen is the most appropriate initial management of a patient with acute asthma exacerbation who is hypoxic, as indicated by the SpO2 of 89%. High-flow oxygen can help to correct hypoxemia, decrease work of breathing, and prevent further complications. Nebulized short-acting beta-agonists are essential in the treatment of an asthma exacerbation, but the priority is to address hypoxemia first. Inhaled anticholinergics and systemic corticosteroids are also part of the management but follow oxygen and beta-agonists in treatment sequence.
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Respiratory Emergencies
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