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 ["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.

A. Tilt the client's head backward B. Move the client into high-Fowler's position C. Apply pressure to the nares D. Instruct the client to blow his nose E. Place ice to the bridge of the client's nose

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

Explanation

These actions help to control bleeding, reduce blood pressure, and promote clotting.

a. Tilt the client's head backward. This is not recommended, as it can cause blood to drain into the throat and increase the risk of aspiration, nausea, or vomiting.

d. Instruct the client to blow his nose. This is not advisable, as it can dislodge any clots that have formed and worsen bleeding.

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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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