If a patient reports acute onset asthma symptoms with high respiratory rate and wheezing, what is a potential complication to monitor for?

Monitoring for respiratory acidosis is crucial in a patient presenting with acute onset asthma symptoms, characterized by high respiratory rates and wheezing. This condition often leads to impaired gas exchange due to bronchoconstriction and inflammation of the airways, causing carbon dioxide to accumulate in the bloodstream.

As the patient struggles to breathe adequately, they may not be able to exhale carbon dioxide effectively, resulting in an increase in arterial carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) and a decrease in blood pH, leading to respiratory acidosis. This is particularly important in asthma exacerbations, where the patient's ability to ventilate properly is compromised.

Recognizing and addressing respiratory acidosis is vital, as it can escalate if the patient's condition worsens, potentially leading to further respiratory distress or even respiratory failure. While other complications can occur with acute asthma presentations, such as hypoxemia or cardiac complications due to stress and hard work of breathing, respiratory acidosis is a direct and common consequence linked to the ineffective ventilation seen in severe asthma episodes.