assessment
Last reviewed 01/2018
Factors to consider include:
- pulse rate:
- if the tachycardia is persistently 120 to 140 beats per minute the patient is still in danger
- a falling pulse rate is an ominous feature
- appearance of patient:
- character of breathing
- facial expression
- position in bed
- peak flow rate:
- is an objective measurement of progress
- it can be measured before and after nebulisers
- estimation of blood gas tensions:
- it is necessary to monitor the PaO2 and PaCO2
- a rise in the PaCO2 suggests respiratory failure and intermittent positive pressure ventilation should be considered