What should a nurse prioritize when assessing a child with a history of asthma?

When assessing a child with a history of asthma, prioritizing the respiratory status and breathing pattern is crucial because these factors directly relate to the child's current respiratory function and risk for an asthma exacerbation. Asthma is primarily a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can lead to difficulty in breathing. By focusing on the child’s respiratory status, the nurse can quickly identify signs of wheezing, stridor, or respiratory distress that require immediate intervention.

Monitoring the breathing pattern helps to assess not only the effectiveness of current asthma management but also potential triggers or complications. For example, increased respiratory rate, the use of accessory muscles, or changes in the depth of breathing could indicate that the child is in an acute exacerbation and may need immediate medical attention, such as bronchodilator therapy or other supportive measures.

While previous medication adherence and a child's emotional state are also important factors to consider in the overall management of asthma, they do not take precedence during the immediate assessment when the child's respiratory function is the main concern. Dietary intake, while valuable in assessing a child's overall health, is less relevant to a direct evaluation of asthma status compared to monitoring respiratory parameters. Thus, prioritizing respiratory status and breathing patterns ensures that the nurse addresses the most