A young adult with a severe episode of asthma bronchoconstriction comes to the emergency department with signs of respiratory distress.When the nurse performs the admission assessment,she notes that the patient is not able to say where she is or the time.Which nursing diagnosis is probably most suitable for this patient?

A) Chronic Confusion
B) Acute Confusion
C) Impaired Verbal Communication
D) Readiness for Enhanced Communication

This patient is experiencing Acute Confusion caused by lack of oxygen related to her respiratory distress.As a young adult with an acute episode of asthma,this patient would not likely have a history of confusion; therefore,without more data,Chronic Confusion is not an appropriate diagnosis for this patient.Impaired Verbal Communication is an appropriate diagnosis for the patient with expressive or receptive aphasia,but not with confusion.Readiness for Enhanced Communication is appropriate when the patient expresses willingness to enhance communication.