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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 ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

These are important safety and comfort measures for a client who uses home oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula.

The other options are not correct because:

b. Verify the oxygen ﬂow rate every other day. This is not frequent enough, as the ﬂow rate should be checked at least daily and whenever the client feels short of breath or has changes in vital signs.

d. Apply petroleum ointment to nares if they become dry and irritated. This is not recommended, as petroleum products can ignite in the presence of oxygen and cause burns or fire. A water-based lubricant should be used instead.

A. The medication will prevent wheezing. B. The medication will decrease coughing episodes. C. The medication will reduce inﬂammation. D. The medication will open the airways. E. The medication will stimulate ﬂow of mucus.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Answer: A, B D

Rationale:

Albuterol is a bronchodilator, and one of its key effects is to relax the muscles around the airways, which helps prevent wheezing. Wheezing is often caused by narrowed airways, and by opening them, albuterol helps to prevent this sound, which is associated with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
B. The medication will decrease coughing episodes:
Albuterol can help decrease coughing in individuals with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing the muscles in the airways, which reduces airway constriction. Since coughing often occurs due to airway obstruction, albuterol’s bronchodilator effect can help alleviate this symptom.
C. The medication will reduce inflammation: Albuterol does not have anti-inflammatory properties. Its primary mechanism is bronchodilation, and anti-inflammatory treatment generally requires corticosteroids, not beta-agonists like albuterol.
D. The medication will open the airways:
This is correct. Albuterol works as a bronchodilator, meaning it opens up the airways by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding them. This improves airflow and makes breathing easier, which is why it is often used in conditions like asthma or COPD.
E. The medication will stimulate flow of mucus: Albuterol does not stimulate mucus production; it primarily works by relaxing the airways. However, by improving airflow, it can help clients more effectively expel mucus through coughing.

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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

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for home oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who asks how albuterol helps his breathing. Which of the following responses should the nurse make? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

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