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?
Diphenhydramine.
Epinephrine.
Dopamine.
Calcium chloride.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Epinephrine.
Choice A rationale:
Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used to relieve allergic symptoms such as itching, rash, and runny nose. While it can be part of the treatment for anaphylactic reactions, it is not the medication of choice for immediate administration in the case of a severe anaphylactic reaction like the one described in the scenario.
Choice B rationale:
Epinephrine. Correct Answer. In cases of severe anaphylactic reactions, epinephrine (adrenaline) is the medication of choice for immediate administration. Epinephrine acts rapidly to reverse life-threatening symptoms, such as airway constriction, low blood pressure, and hives. It works by dilating airways, increasing heart rate, and improving blood pressure.
Choice C rationale:
Dopamine. Dopamine is a medication used to increase blood pressure and cardiac output in certain critical situations. However, it is not the first-line treatment for anaphylactic reactions. Epinephrine's effects on airway and cardiovascular function make it the preferred choice in this context.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium chloride. Calcium chloride is not the appropriate medication for treating anaphylactic reactions. Its main medical uses include treating hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) and certain cardiac arrhythmias. It does not address the primary symptoms and physiological changes associated with anaphylaxis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. It has a harsh, barky cough.
Choice A rationale:
Spasmodic croup is characterized by sudden-onset symptoms, including a barking cough, but it is not typically associated with a high fever. The barky cough is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the upper airways, leading to a distinct sound when the child coughs.
Choice B rationale:
A harsh, barky cough is a hallmark symptom of spasmodic croup. It is caused by the swelling of the vocal cords and the upper airway, resulting in the characteristic sound. This type of croup is often triggered by viral infections and is usually not bacterial in nature.
Choice C rationale:
Spasmodic croup is usually of viral origin rather than bacterial. Bacterial infections may lead to other respiratory conditions, but they are not a distinguishing feature of spasmodic croup.
Choice D rationale:
Wheezing is not a typical manifestation of spasmodic croup. Wheezing is often associated with lower airway conditions such as asthma, while croup primarily affects the upper airways and vocal cords, leading to the barking cough.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Administer pancreatic enzymes between meals if at all possible.
Choice A rationale:
Administer pancreatic enzymes between meals if at all possible. This is the correct choice. When educating the parents and child with cystic fibrosis about the administration of pancreatic enzymes, it's important to emphasize that these enzymes should be given between meals whenever feasible. Administering them between meals, when the stomach is less acidic and less likely to release the enzymes prematurely, ensures optimal digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. This approach aligns with the physiological need to supplement pancreatic enzyme function due to the inadequate natural enzyme production in cystic fibrosis.
Choice B rationale:
Pancreatic enzymes can be swallowed whole or sprinkled on a small amount of food taken at the beginning of a meal. This choice is a valid option for administering pancreatic enzymes. While it's true that the enzymes can be taken either by swallowing the capsules whole or by opening them and sprinkling the contents on a small amount of food at the start of a meal, this method can vary based on individual preferences and abilities. However, the primary focus should be on timing (between meals) to achieve the best enzymatic action.
Choice C rationale:
Do not administer pancreatic enzymes if the child is receiving antibiotics. This statement is not accurate. There is no general contraindication to administering pancreatic enzymes while a child is on antibiotics. However, it's important for the healthcare provider to be aware of all the medications the child is taking to ensure there are no potential drug interactions or effects on absorption. Always consult with the healthcare team before adjusting the administration of any medication.
Choice D rationale:
Decrease the dose of pancreatic enzymes if the child is having frequent, bulky stools. This statement is not consistent with typical practice. If a child is experiencing frequent, bulky stools, it may actually indicate that the pancreatic enzyme dosage needs adjustment (increasing the dose rather than decreasing). Bulky stools can suggest poor digestion and absorption, which might require more enzymes to properly break down nutrients. Dosage adjustments should always be made under the guidance of the healthcare provider based on factors such as stool consistency, weight gain, and nutritional status.
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