What is the next best step for a 16-year-old female with exacerbated asthma after administering oxygen?

Administering oxygen is an immediate and critical step for a patient experiencing an exacerbation of asthma, but it does not fully address the underlying airway obstruction that can occur in such situations. Assisting with the administration of her inhaler is the next best step because bronchodilators in inhalers (such as albuterol) are specifically designed to relieve bronchospasm, a common feature in asthma exacerbations. By using her inhaler, you can provide quick relief to her airway, helping to dilate the bronchi and improve airflow, which is crucial in managing asthma symptoms.

After administering oxygen, addressing the bronchoconstriction directly with her inhaler can lead to a rapid improvement in her respiratory status, something that is vital to her wellness during an asthma attack. It’s important that healthcare providers focus on interventions that target the immediate causes of distress in an asthma exacerbation, and assisting with her inhaler aligns perfectly with that goal.