A nurse is evaluating a client who had a left-sided cardiac catheterization with an upper extremity insertion site.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

Administering a prescribed bronchodilator medication is the priority action for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack. This helps to open the airways and improve breathing.

Choice B rationale

While checking the patient's vital signs is important, it is not the first action in the acute management of an asthma attack. The immediate priority is to relieve bronchospasm.

Choice C rationale

Collecting a sputum sample for analysis is not the first priority in an acute asthma attack. Stabilizing the patient's breathing is more urgent.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining a detailed health history is essential for comprehensive care but is not the first action during an acute asthma attack. Rapid intervention to improve breathing is the priority.

Choice A rationale

Hypokalemia is a potential concern with diuretic therapy, but not with hypertonic saline solution (3% NaCl) administration for hyponatremia.

Choice B rationale

Hypovolemia is less likely to occur with hypertonic saline infusion. The main concern is overcorrection leading to fluid overload.

Choice C rationale

Fluid overload is a significant risk when administering hypertonic saline (3% NaCl). Nurses should closely monitor for signs of fluid overload, such as edema, crackles in the lungs, and increased blood pressure.

Choice D rationale

Hypernatremia is a possible complication of hypertonic saline administration, but it is not as immediate a concern as fluid overload. Monitoring for fluid overload should take precedence.