A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and requires mechanical ventilation. The client receives a prescription for pancuronium. The nurse recognizes that this medication is for which of the following purposes?

Choice A reason: This statement indicates that the child understands the role of allergens in triggering asthma symptoms and the importance of avoiding or reducing exposure to them. Allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, mold, and pollen can cause inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The nurse should teach the child how to identify and eliminate or minimize allergens in the home, school, and outdoor environments.
Choice B reason: This statement is true, but it does not indicate that the child has learned how to manage the condition to prevent asthma attacks. Missing school days is a consequence of poorly controlled asthma, not a cause or a trigger¹². The nurse should teach the child how to use a written asthma action plan, which includes daily medications, peak flow monitoring, and rescue medications, to achieve good asthma control and reduce the risk of exacerbations.
Choice C reason: This statement is false and indicates that the child has a misconception about the impact of asthma on physical activity. Physical activity is beneficial for children with asthma, as it can improve lung function, cardiovascular fitness, and quality of life. The nurse should teach the child how to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which is a common trigger of asthma symptoms, by using a short-acting bronchodilator before exercise, warming up and cooling down, and avoiding exercise in cold or polluted air.
Choice D reason: This statement is false and indicates that the child does not recognize the signs of poor asthma control. Coughing and shortness of breath in the morning are common symptoms of nocturnal asthma, which is a sign of uncontrolled asthma and a risk factor for severe asthma attacks. The nurse should teach the child how to monitor and record asthma symptoms and peak flow readings, and how to adjust medications according to the asthma action plan.

Choice A reason: Attaching a humidifier bottle to the base of the flow meter is a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. A humidifier bottle adds moisture to the oxygen gas, which can prevent dryness and irritation of the nasal passages and the mucous membranes. A humidifier bottle is recommended for oxygen flow rates above 4 L/min.

Choice B reason: Securing the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet near the client’s head is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Securing the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet can cause the tubing to kink or twist, which can reduce the oxygen flow or delivery. The nurse should secure the oxygen tubing to the client’s clothing or gown, and ensure that there is enough slack to allow the client to move comfortably.

Choice C reason: Applying petroleum jelly to the nares as needed to soothe mucous membranes is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Petroleum jelly is a flammable substance that can ignite when exposed to oxygen. The nurse should avoid using petroleum jelly or any other oil-based products on the client’s face or nose when using oxygen therapy. The nurse should use water-based products, such as saline gel or nasal spray, to moisturize the nares and mucous membranes.

Choice D reason: Removing the nasal cannula while the client eats is not a correct action for the nurse to take for a client who has pneumonia and a prescription for oxygen therapy at 5 L/min via nasal cannula. Removing the nasal cannula can cause hypoxia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood. The nurse should keep the nasal cannula in place while the client eats, and monitor the client’s oxygen saturation and respiratory status. The nurse should also assist the client with eating, and encourage small bites and sips to prevent aspiration.