A client is admitted to the hospital with a long history of hypertension. The nurse should assess the client for which identifiable cause of secondary hypertension?

A. While obtaining a peak flow reading can provide valuable information about the child’s lung function and severity of the exacerbation, it is not the priority action during a status asthmaticus situation. The immediate focus should be on reversing the acute bronchospasm and ensuring the child can breathe effectively.
B. Identifying the cause of the asthma exacerbation (such as allergens, respiratory infections, or environmental factors) is important for long-term management and prevention. However, during a crisis, the priority is to address the immediate respiratory distress rather than to investigate the underlying cause.
C. Short-acting beta-2 agonists (e.g., albuterol) are the first-line treatment during an acute asthma exacerbation because they work quickly to relax bronchial smooth muscle and relieve airway obstruction. Administering a SABA can rapidly improve the child's breathing and oxygenation.
D. Inhaled glucocorticoids (e.g., fluticasone) are used to reduce inflammation in the airways and are important in long-term asthma management. However, they do not act as quickly as SABAs and are not the first step in the acute management of status asthmaticus. While they may be part of the treatment plan, they should follow the administration of a SABA during an acute episode.

F. Inhale deeply and then exhale completely: This ensures that the airways are clear before inhaling the medication.
D. Place her lips firmly around the mouthpiece: A tight seal around the mouthpiece is important to prevent the medication from escaping and to ensure that it reaches the lungs.
A. Breathe in deeply over 2 to 3 seconds while pushing down on the canister: This action releases the medication into the lungs. It's important to inhale slowly and deeply to maximize the delivery of the medication.
G. Hold her breath for 10 seconds: Holding the breath allows the medication to settle into the lungs, increasing its effectiveness.
E. Exhale slowly through pursed lips: Exhaling slowly helps to prevent the medication from being exhaled too quickly and reduces the risk of irritation to the airways.
C. Wait 60 seconds between each puff: If more than one puff is prescribed, waiting 60 seconds between puffs allows the medication from the first puff to settle into the lungs before inhaling the second puff.