Review Question - QID 220711

A 22-year-old man is brought into the emergency department with a 2-hour history of shortness of breath. He was playing tennis when he suddenly became short of breath. He used his albuterol inhaler with minimal improvement in his symptoms. He is currently struggling to breathe. The patient has a medical history of asthma and a 12-pack-year smoking history. His current medications include albuterol, fluticasone, and oral prednisone. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 137/78 mmHg, pulse is 120/min, respirations are 27/min, and oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. The patient exhibits no wheezing with bilateral minimal air movement. The patient is started on an albuterol nebulizer, magnesium sulfate, and tiotropium bromide. Repeat vitals reveal an oxygen saturation of 90% with a pulse of 115/min. Laboratory values are then obtained and are seen below:
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