A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer first?

A. Methylprednisolone: Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used for long-term management and prevention of asthma exacerbations. It has anti-inflammatory effects and is not typically used for immediate relief during an acute asthma attack.

B. Albuterol: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator, which is the first-line medication for relieving acute bronchoconstriction during an asthma attack. It works quickly to open the airways and improve breathing.

C. Fluticasone: Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control and prevention of symptoms. It has anti-inflammatory effects but is not used for immediate relief during an acute asthma attack.

D. Beclomethasone: Beclomethasone is also an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control and prevention of symptoms. Like fluticasone, it is not used for immediate relief during an acute asthma attack.

A. Keep the infant in a side-lying position.

This intervention is not appropriate following cleft palate repair surgery. Placing the infant in a side-lying position may increase the risk of trauma to the surgical site and disrupt the healing process. It's important to follow the surgeon's recommendations regarding positioning, which typically involves keeping the infant in an upright position to minimize strain on the surgical site.

B. Remove elbow restraints while the infant is sleeping.

Elbow restraints are often used postoperatively to prevent the infant from accidentally touching or rubbing the surgical site, which could disrupt wound healing or cause discomfort. Removing the restraints while the infant is sleeping may increase the risk of unintended movement or injury to the surgical site. Therefore, it is not appropriate to remove the restraints while the infant is sleeping.

C. Administer pain medication around the clock for the first 72 hours.

This intervention is appropriate. Pain management is an essential component of postoperative care following cleft palate repair surgery. Administering pain medication around the clock helps to maintain consistent pain relief and prevent spikes in discomfort. Pain management should be tailored to the individual needs of the infant and may include both non-pharmacological measures and analgesic medications.

D. Feed the infant half-strength formula for the first 48 hours.

This intervention is appropriate. Following cleft palate repair surgery, feeding may need to be adjusted to accommodate the infant's comfort and ensure adequate nutrition while minimizing the risk of aspiration. Feeding the infant half-strength formula or other appropriate feeding methods as recommended by the healthcare provider can help prevent stress on the surgical site and reduce the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia.