A school nurse is caring for a school-age child who has asthma.
Click to highlight the intervention the nurse should take. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
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Intervention |
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Immune |
a. Administer acetaminophen b. Have the child wear a mask c. Administer a dose of montelukast d. Encourage oral fluids |
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Respiratory |
a. Administer albuterol nebulizer b. Evaluate the child’s peak flow c. Initiate chest percussions d. Have the child sit upright in a position of comfort |
Administer acetaminophen
Have the child wear a mask
Administer a dose of montelukast
Encourage oral fluids
Administer albuterol nebulizer
Evaluate the child’s peak flow
Initiate chest percussions
Have the child sit upright in a position of comfort
The Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Choice A Reason: Administer acetaminophen
Administering acetaminophen is a common intervention for reducing fever. In this case, the child’s temperature has risen significantly from 37.3°C (99.1°F) at 0900 to 39.9°C (103.8°F) at 1300. A fever of 39.9°C is considered high and can cause discomfort and other complications if not managed. Acetaminophen is an antipyretic medication that helps lower body temperature and provides relief from fever. It is important to monitor the child’s temperature and ensure it returns to a normal range, which is typically around 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F) for school-age children.
Choice B Reason: Have the child wear a mask
Having the child wear a mask is a preventive measure to reduce the spread of respiratory infections. While this intervention is important in certain contexts, such as during flu season or in the presence of contagious illnesses, it is not directly related to managing an acute asthma exacerbation. Masks can help prevent the spread of infections, but they do not address the immediate respiratory distress and wheezing observed in the child. Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate intervention for the current situation.
Choice C Reason: Administer a dose of montelukast
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term management of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It helps reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. However, montelukast is not typically used for immediate relief during an acute asthma exacerbation. It is more effective as a maintenance medication taken regularly to control chronic asthma symptoms. In this scenario, the child requires immediate relief from respiratory distress, making montelukast an inappropriate choice for acute intervention.
Choice D Reason: Encourage oral fluids
Encouraging oral fluids is a supportive measure to ensure the child remains hydrated. Hydration is important for overall health and can help thin mucus secretions, making it easier for the child to breathe. However, while hydration is beneficial, it is not the primary intervention needed to address the acute respiratory distress and wheezing observed in the child. Therefore, this choice alone is not sufficient to manage the current asthma exacerbation.
Respiratory system
Choice A Reason: Administer albuterol nebulizer
Administering an albuterol nebulizer is the most appropriate intervention for managing an acute asthma exacerbation. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist that works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing them to open up and improve airflow. This medication provides quick relief from symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. In this case, the child is experiencing respiratory distress and wheezing, making albuterol the most effective choice for immediate relief. The normal respiratory rate for school-age children is 18-25 breaths per minute, and the child’s rate of 26 breaths per minute indicates respiratory distress.
Choice B Reason: Evaluate the child’s peak flow
Evaluating the child’s peak flow involves measuring the maximum speed at which the child can exhale. This assessment helps determine the severity of the asthma exacerbation and the effectiveness of the treatment. Peak flow measurements can guide clinical decisions and adjustments to the child’s asthma management plan. However, during an acute asthma attack, the priority is to provide immediate relief from symptoms. While peak flow evaluation is valuable for ongoing asthma management, it is not the primary intervention needed to address the acute respiratory distress and wheezing observed in the child.
Choice C Reason: Initiate chest percussions
Initiating chest percussions involves rhythmic tapping on the chest to help loosen and mobilize mucus in the airways. This technique can be beneficial for individuals with conditions that cause excessive mucus production, such as cystic fibrosis. However, in the context of an acute asthma exacerbation, the primary concern is bronchoconstriction and inflammation, not mucus clearance. The child requires interventions that directly address airway constriction, such as bronchodilators. Therefore, while chest percussions may be helpful in certain situations, they are not the most appropriate intervention for managing acute asthma symptoms.
Choice D Reason: Have the child sit upright in a position of comfort
Having the child sit upright in a position of comfort can help improve breathing by allowing the lungs to expand more fully. This position can reduce the work of breathing and provide some relief from respiratory distress. While this intervention is supportive and can be beneficial, it is not sufficient on its own to manage an acute asthma exacerbation. The child requires pharmacological interventions, such as bronchodilators, to relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow. Therefore, while sitting upright is helpful, it should be combined with other interventions for optimal management of acute asthma symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits
Explaining the surgical procedure, including its risks and benefits, is primarily the responsibility of the surgeon. This is because the surgeon has the detailed knowledge and expertise regarding the specific procedure and can provide comprehensive information to the patient. The nurse’s role in this context is to support the patient by clarifying any information provided by the surgeon and ensuring that the patient understands the instructions. Nurses can also address any immediate concerns or questions the patient might have, but the detailed explanation of the procedure itself is outside their scope of practice.
Choice B reason: Reviewing preoperative instructions
Reviewing preoperative instructions is within the nurse’s responsibilities. Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring that patients understand and follow preoperative instructions, which may include fasting guidelines, medication adjustments, and other preparatory steps. This helps to minimize surgical risks and ensures that the patient is adequately prepared for the procedure. By reviewing these instructions, nurses help to reinforce the information provided by the surgical team and ensure patient compliance.
Choice C reason: Obtaining test results
Obtaining and reviewing test results is also within the nurse’s scope of practice. Nurses are responsible for ensuring that all necessary preoperative tests have been completed and that the results are available for the surgical team. This includes coordinating with the laboratory and other departments to obtain timely results and reviewing them to identify any potential issues that need to be addressed before surgery. This step is critical in ensuring patient safety and readiness for the procedure.
Choice D reason: Ensuring that a signed surgical consent form was completed
Ensuring that a signed surgical consent form is completed is a shared responsibility between the nurse and the surgeon. While the surgeon is responsible for obtaining informed consent by explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits, the nurse’s role is to verify that the consent form has been signed and documented appropriately. This verification process is crucial to ensure that the patient has given informed consent before proceeding with the surgery.
Choice E reason: Assessing the current health status of the client
Assessing the current health status of the client is a fundamental responsibility of the nurse. This involves conducting a thorough health assessment, including taking vital signs, reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying any potential risks or concerns that may affect the surgery. This assessment helps to establish a baseline for the patient’s condition and ensures that any necessary precautions are taken to promote a safe surgical outcome.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The Health Care Proxy Does Not Go Into Effect Until I Am Incapable of Making Decisions
This statement is correct. A health care proxy, also known as a durable power of attorney for health care, only becomes active when the individual is no longer capable of making their own medical decisions. Until that point, the individual retains full control over their health care choices1.
Choice B reason: I Have to Choose a Family Member as My Health Proxy
This statement indicates a need for clarification. It is not necessary to choose a family member as a health care proxy. An individual can select any trusted person, whether a family member or a friend, to act as their health care proxy. The most important factor is that the chosen person understands the individual’s wishes and is willing to advocate for them2.
Choice C reason: I Can Change Who I Designate as My Health Care Proxy at Any Time
This statement is correct. An individual can change their designated health care proxy at any time, as long as they are still capable of making their own decisions. It is important to ensure that any changes are documented properly and that all relevant parties are informed of the change3.
Choice D reason: If I Become Incapacitated, End-of-Life Choices Will Be Made by My Proxy
This statement is correct. If an individual becomes incapacitated and is unable to make their own medical decisions, the health care proxy will step in to make decisions on their behalf, including end-of-life choices. The proxy should be well-informed about the individual’s preferences and values to make decisions that align with their wishes4.
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