ESI Practice Cases Practice Test 2025 - Free ESI Practice Questions and Study Guide

The situation described involves a 45-year-old woman experiencing worsening asthma symptoms accompanied by fever. This combination of respiratory distress and fever suggests a significant exacerbation of her asthma, possibly indicating an infection or other serious underlying issue that may require more intensive management.

Level 3 care typically provides moderate complexity and includes additional monitoring and interventions. This level is appropriate for patients with severe symptoms that mandate closer observation and potentially require interventions such as nebulizer therapy, corticosteroids, or even supplemental oxygen. In cases of worsening asthma with fever, it's critical to assess for complications like pneumonia, particularly in a patient with existing respiratory conditions.

The other levels of care either imply less complexity (level 1 or level 2) or a more critical situation requiring extensive intervention (level 4 or level 5). Given the patient’s symptoms, level 3 care ensures that she receives the appropriate monitoring and treatment necessary for her condition without escalating to emergency measures that would be required at the higher levels.

In summary, level 3 care is warranted due to the combination of worsening asthma and fever, involving moderate complexity and necessary evaluation and treatment protocols.