A client with emphysema reports difficulty breathing and exhibits audible wheezing.
The nurse administers albuterol as prescribed for the third time within the last 12 hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Regular rapid heartbeat.
Increased anxiety.
Uncontrollable shaking.
Throat irritation.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
A regular rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) is a common side effect of albuterol, a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways to improve breathing. It's often expected after repeated doses. While it warrants monitoring, it doesn't necessarily require immediate intervention unless it becomes significantly elevated or causes other symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Increased anxiety can also accompany breathing difficulties and albuterol administration. It's crucial to address anxiety, but it's not the most urgent finding in this scenario. Calming techniques and reassurance can often help manage anxiety, while more severe cases might require additional interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Uncontrollable shaking (tremors) is a more serious side effect of albuterol, indicating excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. It can progress to serious complications like seizures or cardiac events. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent these risks. Actions might include:
Holding the next albuterol dose Notifying the healthcare provider Monitoring vital signs closely
Administering medications to counteract the tremors, such as beta-blockers, if ordered
Choice D rationale:
Throat irritation is a possible side effect of albuterol, but it's generally mild and self-limiting. It doesn't typically warrant immediate intervention in the absence of other concerning symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Auscultating bowel sounds and measuring abdominal girth are not directly related to the management of erosive esophagitis and GERD symptoms. These actions are more pertinent to assessing gastrointestinal motility and distension, not the effectiveness of lansoprazole.
Choice B rationale: Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that should be taken before meals to reduce stomach acid production effectively. Confirming that the patient is taking the medication before meals could help optimize its efficacy but is not the most immediate step.
Choice C rationale: Notifying the healthcare provider about a potential need for a dosage change may be considered if symptoms persist. However, since healing with proton pump inhibitors can take several weeks, this action may be premature after only one week of use.
Choice D rationale: It is appropriate to inform the patient that healing of erosive esophagitis and symptom relief from GERD can take several weeks with lansoprazole. This education helps set realistic expectations and encourages adherence to the prescribed treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While teaching the client about infection prevention measures is important, it is not the most crucial action in this situation. The client is already exhibiting symptoms and has potentially been spreading the virus.
Focusing on isolation at this point is a more effective way to prevent further transmission.
Additionally, the client may be too ill to fully comprehend or adhere to instructions regarding masks, handwashing, and social distancing.
Choice B rationale:
Isolation is the most essential action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. This is because:
COVID-19 is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Isolation physically separates the infected person from others, reducing the risk of transmission.
Proper PPE, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, creates a barrier between the healthcare worker and the infectious droplets, further minimizing the risk of spread.
Choice C rationale:
Reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department is important for tracking and managing the spread of the virus. However, it is not as immediate a priority as isolating the client to prevent further transmission.
Choice D rationale:
Counseling family members about monitoring for symptoms is also important for early identification and containment of potential cases. However, it does not directly address the immediate risk of transmission from the actively symptomatic client.
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