A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an adult who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?

Choice A reason: The child has a normal potassium level, as it is within the reference range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions in the body.

Choice B reason: The child has a low hemoglobin level, as it is below the reference range of 10 to 15.5 g/dL. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that causes the red blood cells to have an abnormal shape and become rigid, sticky, and prone to clumping. This can lead to hemolysis, anemia, and reduced oxygen delivery.

Choice C reason: The child has a normal platelet level, as it is within the reference range of 150,000 to 450,000 mm^3^. Platelets are blood cells that help with clotting and prevent bleeding. Sickle cell anemia can cause thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count, due to increased destruction or sequestration of platelets in the spleen.

Choice D reason: The child has a normal blood glucose level, as it is within the reference range of 70 to 110 mg/dL. Blood glucose is the main source of energy for the cells in the body. Sickle cell anemia can cause hypoglycemia, a low blood glucose level, due to impaired glucose metabolism, increased glucose utilization, or decreased glucose production.

Choice A reason: This statement is normal, as an infant who is 2 months old should have an axillary temperature between 36.5°C and 37.5°C (97.7°F and 99.5°F). The nurse should assess the infant's temperature using an axillary or tympanic method, as oral and rectal methods are not recommended for infants.

Choice B reason: This statement is normal, as an infant who is 2 months old should have a heart rate between 100 and 160 beats per minute. The nurse should assess the infant's heart rate by auscultating the apical pulse for a full minute.

Choice C reason: This statement is normal, as an infant who is 2 months old should have a respiratory rate between 25 and 40 breaths per minute. The nurse should assess the infant's respiratory rate by observing the chest movements for a full minute.

Choice D reason: This statement is abnormal, as an infant who is 2 months old should have a weight gain of about 150 to 200 grams (5 to 7 ounces) per week. The current weight of the infant indicates a failure to thrive, as it is below the 5th percentile for the age and gender. The nurse should report this finding to the provider and assess the infant's feeding habits, growth chart, and developmental milestones.