What is a primary intervention for a patient experiencing an asthma attack?

Administering bronchodilators is a primary intervention for a patient experiencing an asthma attack because these medications work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing them to open up and facilitate easier breathing. During an asthma attack, the airways become constricted and inflamed, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Bronchodilators, particularly short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonists, are designed for quick relief of these symptoms and are often the first line of treatment administered in emergency situations.

While oxygen therapy may be necessary in cases where the patient's oxygen saturation is low, it does not address the immediate bronchial constriction that characterizes an asthma attack. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can be beneficial as a preventative measure or during recovery, but during an active attack, the patient may find it difficult to take deep breaths. Applying a cold compress to the chest is not a standard treatment for asthma. Instead, the focus should be on rapidly relieving airway constriction, which makes bronchodilators the most appropriate first-line intervention.