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A nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a client who is having an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following actions is the nurse's highest priority?

Administering a nebulized beta-adrenergic

Providing immediate rest for the client

Positioning the client in high-Fowler's

Initiating oxygen therapy

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Answer: A

Rationale:

A) Administering a nebulized beta-adrenergic:

In the case of an acute asthma exacerbation, administering a nebulized beta-adrenergic agonist (such as albuterol) is the highest priority. These medications act quickly to relax bronchial smooth muscle, dilate airways, and improve airflow. This intervention directly addresses the underlying bronchospasm and helps to alleviate the acute symptoms of asthma.

B) Providing immediate rest for the client:

While rest is important in managing an acute asthma exacerbation, it is not the immediate priority. Addressing the airway obstruction with appropriate medications is crucial for stabilizing the client's condition before focusing on comfort measures such as rest.

C) Positioning the client in high-Fowler's:

Positioning the client in a high-Fowler's position can help improve lung expansion and facilitate breathing. However, this action is secondary to administering medication that can relieve the acute symptoms of bronchoconstriction. The medication should be administered first to rapidly address the exacerbation.

D) Initiating oxygen therapy:

Oxygen therapy might be necessary if the client shows signs of hypoxemia or severe respiratory distress. However, the immediate priority is to address the bronchospasm with a nebulized beta-adrenergic agonist to improve airflow. Once the acute bronchospasm is managed, oxygen therapy can be implemented if needed to support oxygen saturation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Repositioning the client is the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as chest burning may indicate that the chest tube is kinked, twisted, or compressed, which can impair drainage and ventilation. The nurse should gently move the client to a diﬀerent position and check that the chest tube is not bent or occluded by clothing, bedding, or furniture. The nurse should also ensure that there are no dependent loops or coils in the tubing and that it is secured to prevent dislodgment.

a) Increasing the client's wall suction is not advisable, as it can cause increased negative pressure in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Increasing the wall suction does not aﬀect the patency of the chest tube or the drainage of air or ﬂuid from the lung. The nurse should maintain the wall suction at the prescribed level and monitor for any changes in the suction chamber.
c) Clamping the client's chest tube is not advisable, as it can cause air or ﬂuid accumulation in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Clamping the chest tube does not relieve chest burning or improve drainage or ventilation. The nurse should only clamp the chest tube for a brief period of time and under specific circumstances, such as changing the drainage system, assessing for an air leak, or preparing for chest tube removal.
d) Stripping the client's chest tube is not advisable, as it can cause increased negative pressure in the pleural space and lead to tissue damage or bleeding. Stripping the chest tube involves applying manual pressure along the tubing to force out any clots or debris that may obstruct drainage. However, this practice is not recommended, as it can cause more harm than good. The nurse should only milk the chest tube gently and intermittently if ordered by the provider and if there is evidence of obstruction.

A. Administer low-ﬂow oxygen continuously via nasal cannula. B. Oﬀer high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently. C. Place in a prone position. D. Encourage oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of ﬂuids per day.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Placing the client in a prone position improves oxygenation and ventilation by reducing lung compression, increasing lung expansion, and redistributing blood ﬂow to better match ventilation.

a) Administering low-ﬂow oxygen via nasal cannula is not sufficient for a client with ARDS, who requires
high levels of oxygenation and positive pressure ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse and hypoxemia.
b) Oﬀering high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently is beneficial for a client with ARDS, as it provides adequate nutrition and energy to support lung healing and prevent muscle wasting. However, it is not the priority intervention for improving respiratory function.
d) Encouraging oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of ﬂuids per day is contraindicated for a client with ARDS, who is at risk of ﬂuid overload and pulmonary edema. Fluid intake should be restricted and diuretics should be administered as prescribed to reduce ﬂuid accumulation in the lungs.

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A nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a client who is having an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following actions is the nurse's highest priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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