A nurse is caring for a client who has an endotracheal tube and is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia?

Choice A reason: Administering an inhaled glucocorticoid is not the priority intervention for a child with status asthmaticus. Inhaled glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks, but they do not provide immediate relief of bronchoconstriction.

Choice B reason: Administering a short acting beta agonist (SABA) is the priority intervention for a child with status asthmaticus. SABAs are bronchodilators that relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve airflow within minutes. They are the first line treatment for acute asthma symptoms and exacerbations.

Choice C reason: Determining the cause of the acute exacerbation is not the priority intervention for a child with status asthmaticus. While it is important to identify and avoid potential triggers of asthma, such as allergens, infections, or stress, this is not an urgent action during a severe asthma attack.

Choice D reason: Obtaining a peak flow reading is not the priority intervention for a child with status asthmaticus. Peak flow is a measure of how quickly the child can blow air out of the lungs, and it can indicate the degree of airway obstruction. However, peak flow measurement is not reliable or feasible during a severe asthma attack, and it should not delay the administration of bronchodilators.

Choice A reason: This statement indicates that the child understands the role of allergens in triggering asthma symptoms and the importance of avoiding or reducing exposure to them. Allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, mold, and pollen can cause inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The nurse should teach the child how to identify and eliminate or minimize allergens in the home, school, and outdoor environments.
Choice B reason: This statement is true, but it does not indicate that the child has learned how to manage the condition to prevent asthma attacks. Missing school days is a consequence of poorly controlled asthma, not a cause or a trigger¹². The nurse should teach the child how to use a written asthma action plan, which includes daily medications, peak flow monitoring, and rescue medications, to achieve good asthma control and reduce the risk of exacerbations.
Choice C reason: This statement is false and indicates that the child has a misconception about the impact of asthma on physical activity. Physical activity is beneficial for children with asthma, as it can improve lung function, cardiovascular fitness, and quality of life. The nurse should teach the child how to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which is a common trigger of asthma symptoms, by using a short-acting bronchodilator before exercise, warming up and cooling down, and avoiding exercise in cold or polluted air.
Choice D reason: This statement is false and indicates that the child does not recognize the signs of poor asthma control. Coughing and shortness of breath in the morning are common symptoms of nocturnal asthma, which is a sign of uncontrolled asthma and a risk factor for severe asthma attacks. The nurse should teach the child how to monitor and record asthma symptoms and peak flow readings, and how to adjust medications according to the asthma action plan.