Status Asthmaticus – a severe, life-threatening acute exacerbation of asthma attack that is unresponsive to initial treatments and interventions for asthma attack with bronchodilators. Status Asthmaticus places the client at high risk for respiratory failure. The client has acidosis, hypoxemia, hypoxia, and hypercapnia; all of these together with effects of increase lung volume place the client at risk for pneumothorax and cardiac arrest. Status asthmaticus is considered a medical emergency.

Content Area: Med-Surg – Respiratory