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.)
Respiratory rate and pulse
Pulse oximetry
Capillary refill
Glucose
Lung sounds
Correct Answer : A,B,E
A. Respiratory rate and pulse: Albuterol is a bronchodilator medication commonly used to relieve bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Monitoring the patient's respiratory rate and pulse is essential to assess the response to the medication and any potential adverse effects.
B. Pulse oximetry: Albuterol helps to open the airways and improve oxygenation in patients with bronchospasm. Monitoring oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry provides valuable information about the patient's respiratory status and response to treatment.
C. Capillary refill: Capillary refill is typically assessed to evaluate peripheral perfusion and circulation. While it is an important assessment in certain clinical situations, it is not directly related to monitoring the response to albuterol administration.
D. Glucose: Glucose monitoring is not typically indicated after administering albuterol nebulizer unless the patient has a history of diabetes or there are specific concerns regarding glucose levels.
E. Lung sounds: Assessing lung sounds before and after administering albuterol helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication in relieving bronchospasm. Improvement in lung sounds, such as decreased wheezing or clearer breath sounds, indicates a positive response to treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Theophylline:
Theophylline is a bronchodilator medication that is used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has a slower onset of action compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol and is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations.
B) Montelukast:
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol.
C) Albuterol.
Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist bronchodilator commonly used as a first-line treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. It works by quickly relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to rapid bronchodilation and improvement of airflow. This can help alleviate the patient's symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing.
D) Salmeterol:
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol, and it is not recommended for rapid relief of acute symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Nighttime pain:
Nighttime pain, also known as nocturnal pain, is a symptom associated with both duodenal and gastric ulcers. It occurs when the stomach or duodenal lining is empty and no food is present to buffer the effect of gastric acid. While nighttime pain can occur in both types of ulcers, it is not more specific to duodenal ulcers compared to gastric ulcers.
B) Anorexia:
Anorexia, or loss of appetite, can occur in both duodenal and gastric ulcers due to factors such as pain, discomfort, and inflammation. It is not a symptom that is more commonly associated with one type of ulcer over the other.
C) Postprandial pain (occurring after a meal).
Postprandial pain, which occurs after a meal, is more commonly associated with duodenal ulcers than gastric ulcers. This pain typically occurs 2 to 3 hours after eating, as it is often triggered by the release of gastric acid and duodenal contractions stimulated by food intake. Duodenal ulcers tend to cause this type of pain because they are located in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, which is exposed to gastric acid and bile after a meal.
D) Nausea and vomiting:
Nausea and vomiting can occur in both duodenal and gastric ulcers, particularly if the ulcer is accompanied by complications such as obstruction or perforation. These symptoms are not more specific to duodenal ulcers compared to gastric ulcers.
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