A nurse instructs a 60-year-old client diagnosed with asthma about using a peak expiratory flow meter. Which immediate action should the nurse recommend to the client that obtains a reading of 82% on their peak flow meter?
Go to the emergency department
Continue to use salmeterol and fluticasone as prescribed
Administer an additional rescue dose of Albuterol
Call the physician
The Correct Answer is C
A) Go to the emergency department:
An immediate trip to the emergency department is generally not required for a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of 82%. The PEFR of 82% indicates that the client’s airflow is reduced, but it is not necessarily an emergency. PEFR readings are typically classified into zones: green (80-100% of personal best), yellow (50-79% of personal best), and red (below 50% of personal best). A reading of 82% is in the yellow zone, which suggests that the client is experiencing some degree of airway obstruction or worsening asthma symptoms
B) Continue to use salmeterol and fluticasone as prescribed:
While salmeterol (a long-acting beta agonist) and fluticasone (a corticosteroid) are important for long-term asthma control, continuing their use without additional intervention is not the most appropriate action when the PEFR is 82%. A PEFR of 82% indicates that the client’s asthma is not well controlled at the moment, and the nurse should recommend additional short-acting relief to help open the airways (e.g., a rescue inhaler like albuterol.
C) Administer an additional rescue dose of Albuterol:
The correct immediate action is to administer a rescue dose of albuterol. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist that helps open the airways quickly during an asthma exacerbation. A PEFR of 82% falls in the yellow zone, suggesting some obstruction but not an emergency situation. In this case, administering an additional rescue dose of albuterol can help improve airflow and bring the PEFR closer to normal.
D) Call the physician:
While it may be necessary to call the physician if the client’s asthma symptoms do not improve after using a rescue inhaler or if there is a significant decline in symptoms, the first immediate action should be to use a rescue medication like albuterol. Calling the physician may be appropriate after assessing the response to the rescue medication, but it is not the first step in managing a PEFR of 82%.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Peaked T waves:
Peaked T waves are a classic sign of hyperkalemia on an EKG. As potassium levels rise, the T waves become taller, more pointed, and narrow, indicating changes in the heart's electrical conduction. This is one of the earliest and most characteristic EKG changes seen with hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can result from conditions such as kidney dysfunction, use of potassium-sparing diuretics, or other electrolyte imbalances.
B) Inverted P waves:
Inverted P waves typically suggest issues such as atrial ischemia or ectopic atrial rhythms but are not a hallmark sign of hyperkalemia. They may also appear with other conditions, like atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. However, inverted P waves are not typically linked to elevated potassium levels.
C) Widened QRS:
A widened QRS complex can occur in several conditions, including hyperkalemia, but it is generally seen in more severe cases. As potassium levels rise further, the QRS complex may widen due to delayed conduction through the ventricles. Although a widened QRS can indicate hyperkalemia, it is a later sign, and it typically occurs after more specific changes like peaked T waves.
D) Prominent U wave:
Prominent U waves are more often associated with hypokalemia (low potassium levels) rather than hyperkalemia. U waves are typically seen after the T wave on the EKG and can be more prominent in conditions of low potassium.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. 250 mg:
This represents the amount of levodopa in the tablet, not carbidopa. Sinemet contains two active ingredients: carbidopa (25 mg) and levodopa (250 mg), as shown on the label.
B. 25 mg:
This is the correct answer, as the label indicates that each tablet contains 25 mg of carbidopa. Carbidopa is combined with levodopa to improve its effectiveness and reduce side effects like nausea.
C. 5 mg:
This is not accurate; the label clearly states that the carbidopa dose is 25 mg per tablet.
D. 200 mg:
This does not correspond to the dose of carbidopa or levodopa in this medication. The label specifies 25 mg of carbidopa and 250 mg of levodopa.
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