Patient Data

History and Physical

The client is a 22-year-old female with a history of asthma. She was diagnosed at the age of 4 years old and has had 2 previous hospitalizations for asthma-related symptoms at ages 14 and 16. She denies smoking but drinks alcohol 1 to 2 times a week. She reports taking edible marijuana to relieve severe premenstrual symptoms. She came to the emergency department when she started having difficulty breathing on a hike. She took her usual dose of albuterol, but the symptoms did not resolve. The client’s friend called an ambulance when they noticed her distress.

Nurses’ Notes

The client is admitted to the medical floor. She has mild subcostal retractions and is sitting in an upright position. Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields. The client is pale. She has strong peripheral pulses that are equal bilaterally.

Vital Signs

Her heart rate is 122 beats/minute, blood pressure 134/85 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 91% on room air.

Click to highlight the assessment findings that require immediate follow up by the nurse.

Choice A rationale

Discussing moving to Hawaii does not necessarily indicate a connection to the client’s current condition. It could be a long-term plan or a dream.

Choice B rationale

Being unemotional when talking about needing to rebuild their house could indicate a coping mechanism or emotional detachment. However, without additional context, it’s difficult to definitively associate this behavior with their current condition.

Choice C rationale

Expressing a desire to be in a quieter area of the unit could indicate that the client is experiencing stress, anxiety, or discomfort in their current environment. This behavior is most likely associated with their current condition as it shows a direct response to their surroundings.

Choice D rationale

Requesting sleeping medication for the night could indicate various issues such as insomnia, anxiety, or other sleep-related disorders. However, without more information about the client’s current condition, it’s not possible to make a direct association.

H.

Choice A rationale

Monitoring the oxygen saturation is an important nursing intervention following the administration of albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should improve oxygen saturation by increasing airflow and oxygen delivery.

Choice B rationale

Deep tracheal suctioning is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient has excessive secretions or difficulty clearing secretions.

Choice C rationale

Discussing potential asthma triggers with the client is an important nursing intervention. Understanding and avoiding triggers can help prevent future asthma exacerbations.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining a sputum culture is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless there is a suspicion of a respiratory infection.

Choice E rationale

Positive pressure ventilation is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient is in severe respiratory distress.

Choice F rationale

Allowing the client to take a position of comfort can help improve breathing and should be encouraged.

Choice G rationale

Discussing aggressive respiratory treatment options is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient’s condition is not improving or worsening.

Choice H rationale

Weaning the supplemental oxygen may be appropriate following the administration of albuterol if the patient’s oxygen saturation has improved.