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 ["B","E","G"]
Explanation
B. Position the patient with the head of the bed elevated. Rationale:
Promotes lung expansion: Elevating the head of the bed by at least 30 degrees utilizes gravity to assist in diaphragmatic descent and lung expansion. This allows for greater intake of air, optimizing oxygen intake and facilitating better gas exchange.
Reduces work of breathing: When upright, the abdominal muscles can more effectively aid in breathing, reducing the workload on the diaphragm and accessory muscles. This conserves energy and decreases the patient's respiratory effort.
Enhances secretion drainage: Gravity also aids in the movement of secretions from the lower lobes of the lungs towards the upper airways, where they can be more easily coughed up or suctioned. This helps to clear the airways and improve ventilation.
E. Teach the patient to cough at least once an hour. Rationale:
Clears secretions: Coughing is a natural mechanism to clear secretions from the lungs and airways. It helps to prevent mucus buildup and potential obstruction, which can lead to atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue) and further compromise ventilation.
Improves gas exchange: By removing secretions, coughing allows for better airflow and gas exchange within the lungs. This enhances oxygenation and helps to prevent respiratory complications.
G. Assist the patient in ambulating safely. Rationale:
Mobilizes secretions: Ambulation encourages movement of secretions from the lower lobes of the lungs, promoting their clearance and preventing mucus buildup.
Prevents atelectasis: Walking and movement help to expand the lungs, reducing the risk of atelectasis and improving overall ventilation.
Enhances circulation: Ambulation also improves circulation, which can help to deliver oxygen to the tissues more effectively and aid in healing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Autoimmune responses occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. They are not typically triggered by allergens like bee stings.
Autoimmune responses often develop slowly over time and present with symptoms related to the specific tissues being attacked.
The rapid onset of symptoms in this case, along with the specific symptoms of rash, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, are not characteristic of an autoimmune response.
Choice B rationale:
Type II hypersensitivity reactions involve antibodies that target and destroy cells or tissues. These reactions often take hours or days to develop, rather than minutes.
Examples of type II hypersensitivity reactions include transfusion reactions, hemolytic disease of the newborn, and some autoimmune diseases.
The rapid onset of symptoms in this case is not consistent with a type II hypersensitivity reaction.
Choice C rationale:
Cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions involve T cells that directly attack cells or tissues. These reactions typically take 1-3 days to develop.
Examples of cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions include contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy), graft-versus-host disease, and some drug reactions.
The rapid onset of symptoms in this case, as well as the specific symptoms of rash, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, are not characteristic of a cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.
Choice D rationale:
IgE response hypersensitivity reactions are the most immediate type of allergic reaction.
They are mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which bind to mast cells and basophils.
When an allergen (like bee venom) cross-links IgE antibodies on mast cells, it triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
These mediators cause vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, and mucus secretion, leading to the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The rapid onset of symptoms in this case, including rash, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, are consistent with an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.
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