A nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with asthma exacerbation and is experiencing increased wheezing and has an oxygen saturation of 91%. The client is scheduled for his next breathing treatment in 1hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Asking the provider to repeat another radiograph of the chest
Increasing oxygen to maintain an oxygen saturation of 95% or greater in the client
Requesting the pharmacy to dispense 10 mL of dextromethorphan PO
Instructing respiratory therapy to administer a PRN albuterol aerosol
The Correct Answer is D
A. Asking the provider to repeat another radiograph of the chest.
This option is not the most appropriate action in this scenario. While a chest radiograph may be useful in certain situations to assess for complications such as pneumothorax or pneumonia, it is not typically the first intervention for an asthma exacerbation with increased wheezing and decreased oxygen saturation. In this acute situation, the priority is to provide immediate treatment to alleviate the client's symptoms and improve oxygenation.
B. Increasing oxygen to maintain an oxygen saturation of 95% or greater in the client.
While maintaining adequate oxygenation is important, especially in a client with asthma exacerbation, it is not the first-line intervention in this scenario. Oxygen supplementation may be necessary, but the priority is to address the underlying bronchospasm causing the decreased oxygen saturation. Therefore, this option may be considered after initiating appropriate bronchodilator therapy.
C. Requesting the pharmacy to dispense 10 mL of dextromethorphan PO.
This option is not appropriate for managing an asthma exacerbation. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant and does not address the underlying bronchospasm characteristic of asthma exacerbations. In fact, suppressing cough may hinder the clearance of mucus and exacerbate respiratory distress. Therefore, this intervention is not indicated and may delay appropriate treatment.
D. Instructing respiratory therapy to administer a PRN albuterol aerosol.
This is the correct action in this scenario. Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator commonly used to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow in clients experiencing asthma exacerbations. Administering albuterol via aerosolized inhalation helps to quickly deliver the medication directly to the airways, providing rapid relief of symptoms such as wheezing and improving oxygenation. Therefore, instructing respiratory therapy to administer a PRN albuterol aerosol is the most appropriate intervention to address the client's acute symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assign health care personnel to nondirect care activities for 24 hr after developing influenza symptoms.
While it's important for healthcare personnel to stay home when they have influenza symptoms to prevent transmission to residents and coworkers, restricting them to nondirect care activities for only 24 hours may not be sufficient. Healthcare personnel with influenza symptoms should follow institutional policies regarding sick leave and clearance to return to work, which typically involve staying home until they are no longer contagious.
B. Place restrictions on visitation.
During an influenza outbreak in a long-term care facility, it's crucial to include interventions to prevent further spread of the virus. Placing restrictions on visitation helps reduce the risk of introducing the virus from outside sources into the facility. Visitors may inadvertently bring the influenza virus with them, potentially exposing vulnerable residents and staff members.
C. Implement airborne precautions for clients who have influenza.
Influenza is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets rather than through airborne transmission. Airborne precautions are not typically necessary for managing influenza in a long-term care facility. Standard precautions, including hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, and use of personal protective equipment, are sufficient for preventing transmission.
D. Provide prophylactic antibiotics for clients who have been exposed to influenza.
Influenza is a viral infection and is not treated with antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotics are not indicated for preventing influenza. Antiviral medications may be used for prophylaxis in certain high-risk individuals or in outbreak settings, but their use should be based on recommendations from public health authorities and healthcare providers, not blanket administration to all exposed individuals.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Provide humidified oxygen.
Humidified oxygen adds moisture to the air, which can help to thin secretions in the airway. Thinning the secretions makes them easier to clear, particularly for patients with copious and tenacious secretions, such as those following a tracheostomy.
B. Perform chest physiotherapy prior to suctioning.
Chest physiotherapy techniques, such as percussion and vibration, can help to mobilize secretions in the lungs and airways. While this may indirectly assist in clearing secretions, it does not directly address the issue of thinning the secretions, which is the primary concern in this scenario.
C. Prelubricate the suction catheter tip with sterile saline when suctioning the airway.
Prelubricating the suction catheter tip with sterile saline before suctioning can help reduce friction and potential trauma to the airway. While this can be beneficial for airway management, it does not directly address the need to thin copious and tenacious secretions.
D. Hyperventilate the client with 100% oxygen before suctioning the airway.
Hyperventilating the client with 100% oxygen before suctioning is not recommended. It can lead to respiratory alkalosis, which is a condition characterized by decreased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can worsen the client's condition and may lead to adverse effects. Additionally, it does not directly address the need to thin secretions.
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