A client in the emergency room is under suspicion for status asthmaticus. What finding would best indicate this condition?

In the context of status asthmaticus, the use of accessory muscles is a primary indicator of respiratory distress. This condition is characterized by severe and prolonged asthma exacerbations that can lead to respiratory failure. When a patient experiences significant airway obstruction, they often recruit accessory muscles—located in the neck, chest, and abdomen—to assist with the work of breathing. This physical sign reflects the urgency and effort the client is exerting to maintain adequate ventilation.

In contrast, increased heart rate may occur due to factors like anxiety or hypoxia but is not specific to status asthmaticus. A normal respiratory rate would indicate that the patient is managing their breathing adequately, which contradicts the severity associated with status asthmaticus. Clear lung sounds, while they might suggest that there is no congestion or fluid present, can be misleading; patients with status asthmaticus can have clear lung sounds before the situation worsens and can still be in a state of respiratory distress. Hence, the use of accessory muscles is the most reliable indicator of the severity of the respiratory distress associated with status asthmaticus.