A patient who is experiencing an acute asthma attack is admitted to the emergency department.
Which action should the nurse complete first?
Administer a prescribed bronchodilator medication.
Check the patient's vital signs.
Collect a sputum sample for analysis.
Obtain a detailed health history.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid used to manage asthma and COPD symptoms and does not typically require clarification.
Choice B rationale
Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid overload in heart failure and does not require clarification.
Choice C rationale
Carvedilol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can exacerbate asthma symptoms and bronchospasm. It should be avoided in clients with a history of asthma.
Choice D rationale
Isosorbide dinitrate is a nitrate used to manage angina and heart failure and does not require clarification.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A complete blood count (CBC) can provide information about the client's overall health and presence of infection, but it does not specifically address the potential underlying cause related to the urinary system.
Choice B rationale
Urinalysis with culture is the most relevant diagnostic test for evaluating the underlying cause of fever, chills, and severe left costovertebral pain. These symptoms suggest a possible urinary tract infection or pyelonephritis, which can be confirmed with urinalysis and culture.
Choice C rationale
A chest X-ray would not be the priority in this scenario as the symptoms suggest a urinary tract issue rather than a respiratory problem. A chest X-ray is more useful for assessing lung conditions.
Choice D rationale
A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis can be helpful in evaluating the extent of a urinary tract infection or identifying other causes of abdominal pain, but it is typically not the first-line diagnostic test. Urinalysis with culture is more specific for identifying urinary infections. .
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.