To promote comfort after an asthma attack, which position should the nurse instruct the pediatric client to assume?

The high Fowler's position is optimal for promoting comfort and respiratory function after an asthma attack. This position involves the child sitting upright, typically at a 90-degree angle, which facilitates maximum lung expansion and promotes better airflow. By allowing gravity to assist with lung expansion, it can help alleviate dyspnea and improve oxygenation.

When a child experiences an asthma attack, their airways may become constricted and inflamed, leading to difficulty in breathing. Positioning the child in an upright manner reduces pressure on the diaphragm and access to the lungs, making it easier for them to breathe. This is particularly beneficial during respiratory distress, where the body's demand for oxygen is heightened.

Other positions, such as lying flat or in a prone position, could hinder breathing efforts and are generally less effective in managing the distress associated with asthma. Therefore, instructing the child to assume high Fowler's position is the most supportive for their respiratory needs and comfort following an asthma attack.