A client in the emergency department is experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation, which has not improved with albuterol nebulizer treatments. The client is obviously struggling to breathe. The nurse anticipates that intubation and mechanical ventilation will be needed based on which of the following assessment findings?
Tachycardia
Anxiety
Hypotension
Loud expiratory wheezing
The Correct Answer is C
A. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) can occur in response to hypoxia (low oxygen levels), stress, or as a side effect of medications like albuterol. While tachycardia is a concerning sign in the context of an asthma exacerbation, it alone does not directly indicate the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. It is often managed by addressing the underlying respiratory distress and improving oxygenation.
B. Anxiety is common in patients struggling to breathe, as they may feel frightened or panicked due to their difficulty breathing. However, anxiety itself is not an indicator for intubation and mechanical ventilation. It is a symptom of respiratory distress but does not directly assess the severity of the physiological need for mechanical support.
C. Hypotension (low blood pressure) in the context of an asthma exacerbation can be a sign of severe illness, possibly indicating shock or severe respiratory distress leading to reduced cardiac output. While hypotension is a serious concern, it is less directly related to the immediate need for intubation and mechanical ventilation compared to other indicators of respiratory failure.
D. Loud expiratory wheezing indicates significant airway obstruction but does not necessarily reflect the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Wheezing can be a sign of severe asthma but may not be sufficient on its own to necessitate intubation if the patient can still maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["20"]
Explanation
Desired dose / Available dose = Volume to administer 500 mg / (125 mg/5 mL) = Volume to administer Volume to administer = 20 mL
Therefore, the nurse should administer 20 mL of naproxen suspension per dose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This statement is not accurate in the context of miotic medications. Miotic drugs do not work by blocking neural impulses to the muscles. Instead, they directly affect the eye's pupil size and fluid dynamics. This response does not correctly describe the action of miotic agents.
B. This response is incorrect because miotic medications actually constrict the pupil, not dilate it. In acute angle-closure glaucoma, dilation of the pupil would worsen the condition by further blocking the drainage angle. Miotics are used to constrict the pupil, which helps open the angle between the iris and the cornea, thereby facilitating fluid drainage.
C. Miotic medications cause the pupil to constrict (miosis), which helps in opening the narrow angle between the iris and the cornea. In acute angle-closure glaucoma, the angle is closed or narrow, preventing proper drainage of aqueous humor. By constricting the pupil, miotic medications can help to relieve this obstruction and allow better drainage of fluid, thereby reducing intraocular pressure.
D. This statement is incorrect regarding the action of miotic medications. Miotic drugs do not pull aqueous humor into the bloodstream. Their primary effect is on the pupil's size and the angle of the eye to improve drainage. Medications that reduce aqueous humor production or increase its outflow, such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or prostaglandin analogs, are responsible for these actions
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