What is the order of care during an asthma exacerbation?

• A. Assess airway → Oxygen → Bronchodilator → Reassess
• B. Oxygen → Assess airway → Bronchodilator → Reassess
• C. Bronchodilator → Oxygen → Assess airway → Reassess
• D. Reassess → Assess airway → Bronchodilator → Oxygen

Answer: (A)

In an asthma exacerbation, the immediate priority is to evaluate the airway and breathing to judge how severe the obstruction is and whether there’s any risk to the patient’s oxygen supply. Start with a quick assessment of airway patency, work of breathing, and signs of hypoxia. If the patient is not adequately oxygenated, administer supplemental oxygen right away to raise the oxygen level to a safe range. Once oxygenation is ensured, give a fast-acting bronchodilator to quickly relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow. After these steps, reassess to see how the patient is responding—look for changes in breathing effort, lung sounds, and oxygen saturation, and use that information to guide further treatment or escalation if needed.