A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a contributing factor to the client's manifestations?
Inability to exhale retained carbon dioxide
Acute loss of alveolar elasticity
Decreased responsiveness of airways to allergens
Suppressed bronchiolar inflammatory response
The Correct Answer is A
An acute asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms happen because the airways in the lungs become narrow, irritated, swollen, and produce excess mucus.
An asthma attack can be triggered by various factors, such as allergic reactions, respiratory infections, tobacco smoke, cold air, and exercise. These triggers cause the immune system to react and release chemicals that cause inflammation and constriction of the airways.
Based on this information, the best answer to the question is a. Inability to exhale retained carbon dioxide. This is because during an asthma attack, the narrowed airways make it harder to exhale the air from the lungs, which leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can worsen the symptoms and cause acidosis, a condition where the blood becomes too acidic.
The other options are not correct because:
b. Acute loss of alveolar elasticity is not a cause of asthma attacks, but a consequence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a different lung condition that involves damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs.
c. Decreased responsiveness of airways to allergens is not a cause of asthma attacks, but a goal of asthma treatment. Asthma medications aim to reduce the sensitivity and inflammation of the airways to prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
d. Suppressed bronchiolar inflammatory response is not a cause of asthma attacks, but a potential side effect of some asthma medications, such as corticosteroids. These drugs can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections in the airways.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It's highly contagious and can easily spread to other patients.Alcohol-based hand rubs are not effective against spores and should not be used for hand hygiene in this case. Chlorhexidine is also not sporicidal and should not be used for environmental cleaning. A protective environment is indicated for clients who are at risk of infection from others, not for clients who are infectious to others.Gloves are important for preventing the spread of infection, but they should be used in conjunction with other infection control measures, such as handwashing and protective isolation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because the client is experiencing bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate of less than 60/min. Bradycardia can cause decreased cardiac output, which can lead to symptoms such as tremors, fainting, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and hypotension. Some causes of bradycardia are sinus node dysfunction, atrioventricular block, medication side effects, hypothyroidism, hypothermia, and increased vagal tone.
The nurse should anticipate administering atropine sulfate, which is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the action of the vagus nerve on the heart and increases the heart rate and conduction. Atropine sulfate is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia and can be given intravenously or intramuscularly. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and response to the medication. The nurse should also prepare for other interventions, such as transcutaneous pacing or permanent pacemaker insertion, if atropine sulfate is ineffective or contraindicated.
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