The nurse in the medical unit is caring for a 24-year-old male client.
0200:Admitted at 2300 with an asthma attack. Sitting upright and using the neck muscles to breathe. Speaks in short phrases. Loud wheezes on inspiration and expiration in all lung fields. Anxious. Nebulized albuterol given as prescribed.
0300:Speaks 1 or 2 words at a time. Wheezes fainter than at 0200, with little air movement at the lung bases. Sweating. Primary health care provider (PHCP) notified by telephone. Nebulized albuterol and a systemic corticosteroid given as prescribed.
0400:No wheezes heard; breath sounds very faint in all lung fields. Drowsy; opens the eyes to voice and cannot speak. Lips dusky. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) says the client is “finally resting quietly.”
Which action should the nurse take first?