A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing status asthmaticus. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to take?

Determine the cause of the acute exacerbation.

Obtain a peak ﬂow reading.

Administer an inhaled glucocorticoid.

Administer a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps clients with COPD to exhale more eﬀectively and prevent air trapping in the lungs. It also reduces dyspnea and improves oxygenation.

a) A low protein diet is not recommended for clients with COPD, as they need adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass and prevent malnutrition.

c) Fluid restriction is not necessary for clients with COPD, unless they have signs of ﬂuid overload or heart failure. Adequate hydration helps to thin secretions and facilitate expectoration.

d) Early-morning hours are not the best time for exercise and activity for clients with COPD, as they may experience more shortness of breath and fatigue due to diurnal variations in lung function. A better time would be mid-morning or afternoon, after taking bronchodilators and clearing secretions.

A. Disconnect the chest tube from the drainage system during transport. B. Empty the collection chamber prior to transport. C. Clamp the chest tube prior to transferring the client to a wheelchair. D. Keep the drainage system below the level of the client's chest at all times.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Keeping the drainage system below the level of the client's chest prevents backﬂow of ﬂuid or air into the
pleural space and maintains negative pressure in the system.

a) Disconnecting the chest tube from the drainage system during transport is dangerous and can cause pneumothorax, infection, or bleeding. The chest tube should remain connected to the drainage system at all times unless ordered by the provider.
b) Emptying the collection chamber prior to transport is unnecessary and can interfere with accurate measurement of drainage. The collection chamber should be emptied only when it is full or at the end of each shift.
c) Clamping the chest tube prior to transferring the client to a wheelchair is contraindicated and can cause tension pneumothorax, as it prevents air from escaping the pleural space. The chest tube should only be clamped for a brief period when changing the drainage system or checking for air leaks, and only with a provider's order.

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A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing status asthmaticus. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has COPD. The nurse should include which of the following interventions in the plan?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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