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 C

Explanation

Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, also known as barrel chest, is a common finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema. It is caused by chronic air trapping and hyperinﬂation of the lungs, which results in fattening of the diaphragm and widening of the rib cage.

a) Oxygen saturation level 96% is within the normal range of 95% to 100% and does not indicate hypoxemia or impaired gas exchange. Clients who have COPD with emphysema typically have lower oxygen saturation levels, ranging from 88% to 92%.
b) Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to decreased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hyperventilation, which can occur in response to hypoxia, anxiety, or pain. Clients who have COPD with emphysema usually have respiratory acidosis, which is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to increased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hypoventilation, which results from impaired lung function and airway obstruction.
d) Petechiae on chest are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries. They are not a typical finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema, unless they have severe coughing episodes or coagulation disorders. They can indicate infection, inﬂammation, trauma, or vascular disease.

A. "I take this medication once a day in the evening." B. "I rinse my mouth after taking this medication." C. "I use a spacer device when I inhale this medication." D. "I take this medication when I get an asthma attack."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist that prevents inﬂammation and bronchoconstriction in asthma. It is taken once daily in the evening to prevent nocturnal symptoms and improve morning lung function.

"I rinse my mouth after taking this medication." This is not necessary, as montelukast is not associated with oral thrush or dysgeusia, unlike some inhaled corticosteroids.
"I use a spacer device when I inhale this medication." This is not applicable, as montelukast is not an inhaler, but a tablet or chewable form.
"I take this medication when I get an asthma attack." This is not appropriate, as montelukast is not a rescue medication, but a maintenance medication that should be taken regularly to prevent asthma exacerbations. A short-acting beta2 agonist such as albuterol should be used for acute relief of symptoms.

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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?

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