A nurse in an emergency department is preparing a client for emergency surgery. The client's blood alcohol level is 180 mg/dL. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

A. Inability to exhale retained carbon dioxide: During an acute asthma attack, airway obstruction due to bronchospasm, inflammation, and increased mucus production leads to air trapping. This makes it difficult for the client to fully exhale, resulting in the retention of carbon dioxide. Hyperinflation of the lungs and respiratory acidosis can occur as a result, contributing to the client's manifestations.

B. Acute loss of alveolar elasticity: A loss of alveolar elasticity is associated with conditions like emphysema, not asthma. Asthma primarily affects the airways rather than the alveoli, and elasticity is not typically impacted during an acute asthma attack.

C. Decreased responsiveness of airways to allergens: Asthma is characterized by increased responsiveness of the airways to triggers such as allergens, not decreased responsiveness. This hyperresponsiveness is a hallmark of the condition and contributes to airway narrowing during an attack.

D. Suppressed bronchiolar inflammatory response: Asthma attacks involve heightened inflammation of the bronchioles, not a suppressed inflammatory response. The inflammation contributes to airway swelling, increased mucus production, and bronchospasm.

Choice A Reason:

Repositioning the client's left arm is incorrect. Repositioning the arm might help prevent kinks or occlusions in the tubing, but addressing the tubing connections comes first.

Choice B Reason:

Checking the IV site for redness is incorrect. Checking for redness is important to assess for signs of infection or inflammation, but it can wait until after addressing the tubing issue.

Choice C Reason:

Ensuring the tubing connections are secure is correct. When the infusion pump alarms, the first step is to ensure that the tubing connections are secure. A loose or disconnected tubing can lead to interrupted or inadequate infusion, which could affect the client's treatment and well-being. By checking and securing the tubing connections, the nurse can address any immediate issues related to the alarm.

Choice D Reason:

Flushing the IV catheter is incorrect - Flushing the catheter might be necessary if there are blockages or if medications need to be administered, but addressing the tubing connections is the immediate priority when the infusion pump alarms.