An adult patient presents to the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath and increased work of breathing.

Assessment

The patient is alert and oriented times 3, skin is pink, warm and dry. BP 148/88, T98, P92. R 24, pulse oximetry 91% on room air. Assessment of the lung reveals expiratory wheezing throughout the lung fields.

The physician orders an albuterol nebulizer. What assessments should the nurse plan to complete after administering the albuterol?

(Select All that Apply.)

A) The nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and paranasal sinuses.
The upper respiratory tract consists of the structures located above the larynx (voice box). These include the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx (throat), and paranasal sinuses. These structures play vital roles in filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe, as well as in olfaction (sense of smell) and speech resonance.

B) The nose and paranasal sinuses:
While the nose and paranasal sinuses are indeed part of the upper respiratory tract, this response does not include the entirety of the upper respiratory structures, such as the pharynx, which is also crucial.

C) The lungs and associated structures:
This choice is incorrect because the lungs are part of the lower respiratory tract, not the upper respiratory tract. The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea (windpipe), bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

D) The nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and the lungs:
This response includes structures from both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. While the nose, nasal cavity, and pharynx belong to the upper respiratory tract, the lungs are part of the lower respiratory tract. Therefore, this option is not accurate for describing the components of the upper respiratory tract.

A. Wheezing: Wheezing is not a typical symptom of allergic rhinitis. It is more commonly associated with asthma or other lower respiratory conditions.

B. Sneezing: Sneezing is a common symptom of allergic rhinitis. It is often triggered by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

C. Watery eyes: Watery eyes, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, frequently accompany allergic rhinitis. This symptom occurs due to inflammation of the conjunctiva in response to allergen exposure.

D. Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, is a hallmark symptom of allergic rhinitis. It occurs as a result of inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa in response to allergens.

E. Urticaria: Urticaria, commonly referred to as hives, may occur in some individuals with allergic rhinitis. However, it is more commonly associated with other types of allergic reactions, such as food allergies or drug allergies.