A patient who is experiencing an acute asthma attack is admitted to the emergency department.
Which action should the nurse complete first?

Choice A rationale

Using the inhaler before engaging in physical activity helps to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, which is common in patients with COPD.

Choice B rationale

Skipping doses if symptoms improve is not recommended as it can lead to suboptimal control of COPD and potential exacerbations.

Choice C rationale

Using the inhaler only when experiencing severe symptoms is not effective in managing COPD. Regular use as prescribed helps maintain lung function and prevent exacerbations.

Choice D rationale

Doubling the dose if symptoms do not improve immediately is not safe and can lead to adverse effects. Patients should follow the prescribed dosage and consult their healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

Choice A rationale

Alcoholism is a common cause of hypomagnesemia due to poor dietary intake, increased renal excretion, and gastrointestinal losses. Chronic alcohol consumption leads to malnutrition and loss of magnesium through the urine, contributing to low magnesium levels.

Choice B rationale

Dehydration typically leads to hemoconcentration, which can elevate, rather than decrease, magnesium levels. Thus, it is not usually associated with low magnesium levels.

Choice C rationale

Kidney failure generally causes hypermagnesemia, not hypomagnesemia, because the kidneys cannot efficiently excrete magnesium, leading to its accumulation in the blood.

Choice D rationale

Excessive magnesium intake would result in hypermagnesemia, not hypomagnesemia, as the body accumulates more magnesium than it can excrete.