A 26-year-old female is brought to the emergency department while having an asthma attack. She is given a nebulizer treatment with the medication albuterol. The nurse's immediate assessment priority would be to
Determine the time of the patient's last meal.
Monitor the patient's temperature and blood pressure.
Monitor respiratory rate and Spo2 with a pulse oximeter.
Provide education on asthma management and treatment.
The Correct Answer is C
During an asthma attack, the primary concern is the patient's ability to breathe and maintain adequate oxygenation. Monitoring the patient's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) with a pulse oximeter provides crucial information about the effectiveness of the albuterol treatment and the patient's respiratory status. It helps determine if the airway is opening up, if oxygen levels are improving, and if the patient is responding positively to the medication.
While determining the time of the patient's last meal can be relevant for certain interventions, it is not the immediate priority during an asthma attack. It is more important to focus on assessing and managing the patient's breathing and oxygenation first.
Monitoring the patient's temperature and blood pressure can be important for a comprehensive assessment, but they are not the immediate priority during an acute asthma attack. Addressing the patient's respiratory distress takes precedence.
Providing education on asthma management and treatment is an important aspect of care, but it should be done after the patient's acute symptoms are addressed and stabilized. In the immediate assessment phase, the focus is on assessing and managing the patient's respiratory status. Education can be provided once the patient's immediate needs are addressed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
The nurse should include the following information in the teaching about medication reconciliation:
● Provide a list of the client's current medications during admission to a healthcare facility.
● Provide a list of the client's current medications during the change of shift report.
Medication reconciliation is a critical process that involves comparing the medications a patient is currently taking with the medications ordered or intended to be prescribed. It helps ensure accurate and safe medication management during transitions of care. The nurse should emphasize the importance of providing a list of the client's current medications during admission to a healthcare facility. This information helps establish a baseline for the patient's medication regimen and allows healthcare providers to verify and reconcile the medications accurately.
Additionally, the nurse should instruct the class to provide a list of the client's current medications during the change of shift report. This allows for effective communication between healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care and preventing medication errors or omissions.
While not specifically mentioned in the options, it is important to note that medication reconciliation should be performed at various points, including during the discharge process from a healthcare facility. Discharge medication reconciliation helps ensure a smooth transition to home or another healthcare setting, reduces the risk of medication-related issues, and promotes patient safety and adherence to the prescribed medication regimen.
Regarding over-the-counter medications, it is crucial to include them in the medication reconciliation process. Over-the-counter medications can interact with prescription medications and have potential side effects. Including them in the reconciliation report helps identify any potential interactions or duplications and ensures comprehensive medication management.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Expectorants are medications that help to loosen and thin mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and expel. They work by increasing the production of respiratory tract secretions, which helps to hydrate and thin the mucus, making it less sticky and easier to clear from the airways. By stimulating the production and secretion of mucus, expectorants promote coughing and facilitate the removal of excess mucus and phlegm from the respiratory system.
It's important to note that expectorants are primarily used for productive coughs (coughs that produce phlegm or mucus). If the cough is dry and non-productive, other types of cough suppressants or remedies may be more appropriate.
Regarding the other options:
Reduces inflammation: Expectorants do not have a direct effect on reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. Anti-inflammatory medications such as glucocorticoids are typically used for reducing inflammation in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dries mucous membranes: Expectorants do not have a drying effect on mucous membranes. In fact, they work to increase the hydration and fluidity of respiratory secretions.
Suppresses the urge to cough: Expectorants do not suppress the urge to cough. They promote coughing by facilitating the clearance of mucus and phlegm from the airways. Cough suppressants, on the other hand, are medications used to relieve a dry, non-productive cough by suppressing the cough reflex.

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