A child is brought to the emergency department experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting. While an airway is being established, what medication should the nurse prepare for immediate administration?

The correct answer is choice C. Dyspnea.

Choice A rationale:

Orthopnea. Orthopnea refers to difficulty in breathing that occurs when lying flat. It is not the term used to describe labored breathing, which is the main concern in this question.

Choice B rationale:

Hypopnea. Hypopnea is a term used to describe shallow or slow breathing, usually during sleep. It is not the term used to describe the labored breathing mentioned in the question.

Choice C rationale:

Dyspnea. This is the correct term to describe labored breathing, which is characterized by a subjective sensation of discomfort or difficulty in breathing. In this context, the nurse is charting that the hospitalized child has labored breathing, indicating the need for further assessment and intervention to address this breathing difficulty.

Choice D rationale:

Tachypnea. Tachypnea refers to abnormally fast breathing. While it is a concern, especially in the context of a hospitalized child, it does not specifically describe labored breathing, which is the main focus of this question.

Choice A rationale:

Increased appetite is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids are known to affect various metabolic processes, and one of the effects is an increase in appetite. This can lead to weight gain, especially when the increased calorie intake is not balanced by physical activity.

Choice B rationale:

Fever is not a typical side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, which can help in managing conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory disorders. Fever is not a direct result of corticosteroid administration.

Choice C rationale:

Weight loss is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. In fact, corticosteroids are more likely to cause weight gain due to their influence on appetite, metabolism, and fluid retention.

Choice D rationale:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) can indeed be a side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can lead to sodium and water retention, which can contribute to increased blood pressure, particularly in individuals who are already at risk for hypertension. However, among the options provided, increased appetite is a more directly associated side effect of corticosteroid therapy.