Management of children in status asthmaticus.

Children admitted to the ICU with status asthmaticus require continuous nursing assessment of respiratory status and monitoring of the response to therapy. Nurses must be aware of the progression of respiratory distress and of the expected response to treatment and the side effects that can occur with each therapy. By assuming a greater responsibility in the care of the child with status asthmaticus, critical care nurses can improve the quality of care for these patients.