What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Wheezing?

SITUATION: A 28-year-old female is being seen by the ER physician. She complains of acute shortness of breath and has audible wheezing. The patient has been taking her prescribed medications of Ventolin inhaler and Cromolyn Sodium at home, but has had no relief of her symptoms. A physical exam reveals a HR of 110, RR of 40, with signs of accessory muscle use. Chest auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds bilaterally, with inspiratory and expiratory wheezes. The patient is coughing up small amounts of thin, clear sputum. Sa02 on room air is 93%. An ABG was ordered and the results are: pH 7.50, PaC02 27, Pa02 75. Answer the following items: 1. What is the probable diagnosis of the client? Support your answer. 2. Why is the client taking the medications Ventolin and Cromolyn Sodium at home? 3. Discuss the significance of the patient’s vital signs. 4. What is SaO2? Discuss the significance of the result of the client’s SaO2. 5. What is an ABG? Discuss the significance of the result of the client’s ABG.