A 26-year-old female is brought to the emergency department while having an asthma attack. She is given a nebulizer treatment with the medication albuterol. The nurse's immediate assessment priority would be to
Determine the time of the patient's last meal.
Monitor the patient's temperature and blood pressure.
Monitor respiratory rate and Spo2 with a pulse oximeter.
Provide education on asthma management and treatment.
The Correct Answer is C
During an asthma attack, the primary concern is the patient's ability to breathe and maintain adequate oxygenation. Monitoring the patient's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) with a pulse oximeter provides crucial information about the effectiveness of the albuterol treatment and the patient's respiratory status. It helps determine if the airway is opening up, if oxygen levels are improving, and if the patient is responding positively to the medication.
While determining the time of the patient's last meal can be relevant for certain interventions, it is not the immediate priority during an asthma attack. It is more important to focus on assessing and managing the patient's breathing and oxygenation first.
Monitoring the patient's temperature and blood pressure can be important for a comprehensive assessment, but they are not the immediate priority during an acute asthma attack. Addressing the patient's respiratory distress takes precedence.
Providing education on asthma management and treatment is an important aspect of care, but it should be done after the patient's acute symptoms are addressed and stabilized. In the immediate assessment phase, the focus is on assessing and managing the patient's respiratory status. Education can be provided once the patient's immediate needs are addressed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Montelukast is typically prescribed as a once-daily medication for the treatment of asthma. Taking it in the evening can be beneficial as it helps to control asthma symptoms throughout the day and night. It is important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule provided by the healthcare provider.
The other statements mentioned are incorrect:
A. "I'll rinse my mouth after taking this medication": Rinsing the mouth after taking montelukast is not necessary as it is not an inhaled medication. Rinsing the mouth is typically recommended after using inhaled corticosteroids to reduce the risk of oral thrush.
B. "I'll take this medication when I get an asthma attack": Montelukast is a long-term control medication used to prevent asthma attacks and manage chronic asthma symptoms. It is not intended for immediate relief during an asthma attack.
C. "I use a spacer device when I inhale this medication": Montelukast is not an inhaled medication, so the use of a spacer device is not applicable. Spacer devices are commonly used with inhaled medications to improve the delivery of the medication to the lungs.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
The nurse should make the following responses regarding how albuterol helps the client's breathing:
- The medication will open the airways.
- The medication will prevent wheezing.
Albuterol is a bronchodilator medication commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, leading to the dilation of the bronchial tubes and increased airflow. This mechanism helps open up the airways and prevent or relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
The other options are incorrect because:
The medication will decrease coughing episodes: While albuterol may indirectly reduce coughing episodes by opening up the airways and improving airflow, its primary effect is on bronchodilation rather than directly targeting coughing.
The medication will stimulate the flow of mucus: Albuterol is not known to stimulate mucus flow. Instead, it focuses on bronchodilation to improve airflow in the lungs.
The medication will reduce inflammation: Albuterol is primarily a bronchodilator and does not have a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Other medications, such as corticosteroids, are typically used to address inflammation in respiratory conditions.
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