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
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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
These findings are expected to be assessed in a client who has emphysema, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by destruction and enlargement of alveoli, loss of elastic recoil, and air trapping. These changes impair gas exchange and oxygenation, leading to chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia.
a) Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common symptom of emphysema, as the client has reduced lung capacity and increased work of breathing. Dyspnea may be worse with exertion, stress, or infection, and may cause anxiety and fatigue. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, depth, and effort, and provide oxygen therapy as prescribed.
b) Barrel chest, or increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, is a physical sign of emphysema, as the client has chronic air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs. Barrel chest may also cause kyphosis, or curvature of the spine, and reduced chest wall movement. The nurse should measure the client's chest circumference and observe for any deformities or asymmetry.
d) Clubbing of the fingers, or enlargement and rounding of the nail beds, is a late sign of emphysema, as the client has chronic hypoxia and tissue ischemia. Clubbing may also affect the toes and ears, and may indicate pulmonary or cardiac disease. The nurse should inspect the client's nails for shape, color, angle, and capillary refill.
c) Deep respirations are not expected to be assessed in a client who has emphysema, as the client has shallow and rapid breathing due to air trapping and reduced lung compliance. Deep respirations may indicate other conditions, such as metabolic acidosis or anxiety. The nurse should assess the client's arterial blood gas levels and provide reassurance and relaxation techniques as needed.
e) Bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not expected to be assessed in a client who has emphysema, as the client has tachycardia or normal heart rate due to hypoxia and increased sympathetic stimulation. Bradycardia may indicate other conditions, such as medication side effects, vagal stimulation, or heart block. The nurse should monitor the client's pulse rate, rhythm, quality, and electrocardiogram as indicated.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Administering a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA), such as albuterol, is the priority intervention for the nurse to take, as it provides rapid bronchodilation and relieves bronchospasm, which are the main features of status asthmaticus. Status asthmaticus is a severe and life-threatening asthma attack that does not respond to usual treatment and requires immediate medical attention.
a) Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation is important, but not the priority intervention for the nurse to take. The cause may be an allergen, infection, stress, or exercise, but it does not affect the immediate management of status asthmaticus. The nurse should focus on restoring airway patency and oxygenation first, and then identify and avoid triggers later.
b) Obtaining a peak flow reading is important, but not the priority intervention for the nurse to take. The peak flow reading measures the maximum expiratory flow rate and indicates the degree of airway obstruction. However, it may not be feasible or accurate in a child who is experiencing status asthmaticus, as they may be too dyspneic or agitated to perform the test. The nurse should rely on other signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezes, retractions, cyanosis, or pulse oximetry.
c) Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid is important, but not the priority intervention for the nurse to take. Glucocorticoids, such as fluticasone or budesonide, reduce inflammation and mucus production in the airways, but they have a delayed onset of action and are not effective for acute asthma attacks. They are used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms.
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