The nurse is caring for Kenneth experiencing an acute asthma attack. The client stops wheezing and breath sounds aren’t audible. The reason for this change is that:
A. The attack is over.
B. The airways are so swollen that no air cannot get through.
C. The swelling has decreased.
D. Crackles have replaced wheezes.
Correct Answer: B. The airways are so swollen that no air cannot get through.
During an acute attack, wheezing may stop and breath sounds become inaudible because the airways are so swollen that air can’t get through.
Option A: Breath sounds should still be audible even if the attack is over.
Option C: A decrease in swelling does not cause diminished breath sounds.
Option D: Crackles do not replace wheezes during an acute asthma attack.