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

Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents the formation of new clots and the extension of existing clots. It is the drug of choice for treating acute pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery.

a) Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inﬂammation and suppresses immune response. It is not indicated for treating pulmonary embolism, but it may be used for other pulmonary conditions, such as asthma or COPD.
b) Atropine is an anticholinergic that blocks the action of acetylcholine and increases heart rate and cardiac output. It is not indicated for treating pulmonary embolism, but it may be used for bradycardia or asystole.
d) Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and reduces ﬂuid volume and blood pressure. It is not indicated for treating pulmonary embolism, but it may be used for heart failure or edema.

A. Observe for signs of infection B. Examine the skin for generalized urticaria C. Review laboratory test results for low hemoglobin D. Monitor the mouth for signs of xerostomia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Radiation therapy can cause immunosuppression, which increases the risk of infection. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of infection such as fever, chills, malaise, or purulent drainage.

Examine the skin for generalized urticaria. This is not a common side eﬀect of radiation therapy, as urticaria is an allergic reaction that causes hives or welts on the skin. Radiation therapy can cause localized skin irritation, erythema, or dryness, but not generalized urticaria.
Review laboratory test results for low hemoglobin. This is not a direct eﬀect of radiation therapy, as hemoglobin is a component of red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood. Radiation therapy can cause anemia, which is a low number of red blood cells, but not necessarily low hemoglobin.
Monitor the mouth for signs of xerostomia. This is not relevant for a client who receives radiation therapy to treat lung cancer, as xerostomia is dry mouth caused by reduced salivary gland function. This can occur in clients who receive radiation therapy to treat head and neck cancer, but not lung cancer.

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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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