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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Traditional antihistamines like diphenhydramine are known to have sedating properties, which can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. On the other hand, loratadine is classified as a non-sedating or second-generation antihistamine. It is designed to have less of a sedative effect, allowing individuals to take it during the day without experiencing significant drowsiness or impairment.
It is important to note that individual responses to medications can vary, and some individuals may still experience mild drowsiness with loratadine. However, compared to diphenhydramine, loratadine is generally associated with a lower risk of sedation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) like Montelukast are commonly used in the treatment of asthma. They work by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory substances that can cause narrowing and inflammation of the airways in individuals with asthma. By preventing this inflammation, LTRAs help to reduce asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
The other options mentioned in the statements are not accurate or appropriate for teaching about Montelukast. Taking the medication only when experiencing symptoms is not the recommended approach, as LTRAs are typically taken regularly as part of ongoing asthma management. The statement about the therapeutic effect taking several weeks to notice is not accurate, as Montelukast can start to provide symptom relief within a shorter timeframe.
Additionally, the statement about increasing fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation is unrelated to the use of Montelukast and may not apply to this medication specifically.
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