A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED).

Exhibits

Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Choice A rationale:
Administer two puffs of albuterol. This is the correct answer because albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps to relieve acute asthma symptoms by opening up the airways. In a child experiencing difficulty breathing due to asthma, prompt administration of albuterol can help alleviate the symptoms and improve breathing.
Choice B rationale:
Place the child in the supine position. Placing the child in the supine position can further compromise their breathing, especially in a situation of asthma exacerbation. This position can restrict the airways and make breathing more difficult, so it is not an appropriate action.
Choice C rationale:
Encourage the use of a flutter mucus clearance device. While mucus clearance devices can be helpful for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, it is not the priority action for a child experiencing acute asthma symptoms. The immediate focus should be on relieving the airway constriction and addressing the breathing difficulty.
Choice D rationale:
Instruct the child to perform controlled breathing exercises. Controlled breathing exercises might be useful for anxiety and panic management, but in an acute asthma episode, the child's primary need is to open up the airways and improve breathing. Albuterol administration takes precedence over breathing exercises in this situation.

Choice A rationale:
Avoiding discussions about the child's diagnosis with the sibling might create confusion and anxiety for the sibling. Open communication is essential for helping siblings understand their brother or sister's condition and cope with the changes in the family dynamic.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging phone calls between the siblings is a positive step in promoting sibling adaptation when one of them has a chronic illness like cystic fibrosis. Maintaining connections through communication helps siblings feel involved, valued, and informed about each other's lives and challenges.
Choice C rationale:
Designating one parent to stay at home with the sibling might lead to feelings of isolation and neglect for the child with cystic fibrosis. Siblings also need support and attention during this time, and isolating one parent could hinder healthy sibling relationships.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding having the sibling visit the child in the facility may prevent the sibling from understanding the condition and create a sense of fear or confusion. Controlled, supervised visits can actually be beneficial, as they allow the siblings to interact and support each other in a safe environment.