Abstract

Objective: To analysis the relationship of vital signs of patients experiencing acute asthmatic episodes presenting in the emergency room.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the emergency department of provincial hospital, in Banjarmasin, Indonesia between July-August 2019. Subjects were studied during an acute asthmatic episode. The patient's vital signs, such as respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate were continuously and in real time monitored using observation sheets kept by nurses providing emergency care.Results: Of 220 patients with acute asthmatic attack, the mean age was 30.6 ± 9.7 years. There were 92 (41.8%) males and 128 (58.2%) females. According to the different levels of asthmatic episodes, majority 109 (49.5%) of patients had moderate level of asthmatic attack, while 66 (30.0%) patients had mild and 45 (20.5%) patients had severe asthmatic attack. Mean respiratory rate and heart rate significantly increased according to the levels of an asthma attack (mild to severe) (p-values < 0.001) respectively. Conclusion: During an acute asthmatic episode, vital signs (such as heart rate and respiratory rate) alter abnormally, indicating the need for an immediate intervention. Appropriate asthma medications, as well as diligent vital sign monitoring by nursing staff, are essential for patients with altered vital signs.