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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Measuring blood pressure manually is important in assessing the patient's hemodynamic status, but it is not the priority intervention in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The priority is to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Choice B rationale
Administering intravenous fluids is the priority intervention for a client with DKA. Rapid, deep respirations (Kussmaul breathing) indicate severe metabolic acidosis and dehydration. IV fluids help to correct fluid deficit, improve perfusion, and decrease blood glucose levels.
Choice C rationale
Oxygen therapy may be beneficial if the client is hypoxic, but it is not the priority intervention for DKA. The primary issue is fluid deficit and metabolic acidosis.
Choice D rationale
Administering subcutaneous insulin is essential for managing hyperglycemia in DKA, but it should be done after initiating IV fluids to avoid rapid shifts in electrolyte balance.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring blood glucose levels more frequently is critical when a client with type 1 diabetes is taking prednisone, as corticosteroids can raise blood glucose levels and potentially cause hyperglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Increasing sodium intake is not recommended for clients with type 1 diabetes and is unrelated to the management of prednisone-induced hyperglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Stopping all other diabetes medications is inappropriate and can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Adjustments may be needed, but discontinuation is not advised without medical supervision.
Choice D rationale
Skipping meals to prevent hyperglycemia is not a safe practice for clients with type 1 diabetes. Maintaining a balanced diet and monitoring blood glucose levels is essential.
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