After an albuterol nebulizer in an adolescent with asthma, which finding indicates improvement?

After an albuterol nebulizer in an adolescent with asthma, which finding indicates improvement?

• A. Increased wheezing
• B. Use of accessory muscles
• C. Heart rate 120/min
• D. Respiratory rate 20/min

Answer: (D)

When a bronchodilator is working, breathing becomes easier and the effort required to breathe decreases. A normal resting respiratory rate signals this improvement. In adolescents, about 12–20 breaths per minute is typical, so a rate around 20/min after treatment shows the airways are opening and ventilation is improving. Increased wheezing would imply ongoing bronchospasm, not improvement. Using accessory muscles means more laboring to breathe, which also indicates not yet improved. A heart rate of 120/min can occur with albuterol but isn’t a reliable sign of improvement by itself.

When a bronchodilator is working, breathing becomes easier and the effort required to breathe decreases. A normal resting respiratory rate signals this improvement. In adolescents, about 12–20 breaths per minute is typical, so a rate around 20/min after treatment shows the airways are opening and ventilation is improving.

Increased wheezing would imply ongoing bronchospasm, not improvement. Using accessory muscles means more laboring to breathe, which also indicates not yet improved. A heart rate of 120/min can occur with albuterol but isn’t a reliable sign of improvement by itself.