For a stable asthma patient with clear lung sounds after using their inhaler, what is the next step in management?

In the scenario presented, the patient has stable asthma and clear lung sounds following the use of their inhaler, indicating effective bronchodilation and control of acute symptoms. The next appropriate step in management is to provide oxygen by nasal cannula.

Administering oxygen ensures that the patient maintains adequate oxygen saturation, especially if there are underlying concerns about oxygenation not fully evident through symptoms alone. Since the patient is stable and shows no distress or wheezing, supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula is a low-risk intervention that can enhance their comfort and prevent potential hypoxia.

This decision aligns with standard practice in managing asthma patients who are stable but may still benefit from supplemental oxygen to maintain optimal oxygen saturation levels, typically targeted above 92%. Options such as using a non-rebreather mask would be excessive at this stage, as it is reserved for those with more significant respiratory compromise. Similarly, providing albuterol via nebulizer would not be necessary since the inhaler has already relieved the immediate symptoms, and waiting for further signs of distress could allow the condition to worsen unnecessarily.