What additional therapy should be suggested for a patient experiencing persistent wheezing despite reports of feeling better?

In this scenario, the patient is experiencing persistent wheezing despite feeling better overall, which suggests that while some aspects of their condition may have improved, there is still significant airway obstruction or inflammation that needs to be addressed. Administering albuterol via a small volume nebulizer (SVN) is the correct approach because albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that works quickly to relieve bronchospasm, thereby helping to alleviate wheezing.

Albuterol acts on beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs to relax the airway smooth muscles, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow. This is particularly important in cases of acute wheezing or exacerbations of asthma, where immediate relief of symptoms is necessary. By using a nebulizer, the medication is directly delivered as a mist, allowing for better penetration into the lungs, which can be especially beneficial for patients who may have difficulty using inhalers.

In this context, the other options do not address the immediate need for relief of wheezing. Continuing the current treatment regimen may not provide the necessary intervention to resolve the wheezing. Increasing the oxygen flow rate could help with oxygenation but would not specifically target the underlying cause of wheezing related to bronchospasm. Switching to oral corticosteroids might