A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a toddler who is receiving intermittent enteral feedings. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A. Administer two puffs of albuterol: Albuterol is a bronchodilator used as a quick-relief (rescue) medication for asthma attacks. It helps to open the airways and alleviate difficulty breathing. The nurse should administer albuterol as directed to help relieve the child’s symptoms.
B. Instruct the child to perform controlled breathing exercises: While controlled breathing exercises can be helpful for managing asthma, they are not the first action during an acute asthma attack. The priority is to use a quick-relief medication like albuterol.
C. Place the child in the supine position: Placing the child in the supine (lying flat) position could worsen breathing difficulty. The child should be placed in an upright position to help facilitate better airflow and reduce breathing distress during an asthma attack.
D. Encourage the use of a flutter mucus clearance device: A flutter mucus clearance device is used to help clear mucus in the lungs, but it is not appropriate for managing acute asthma symptoms. The priority is to administer a bronchodilator to relieve airway constriction.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Administer anticonvulsant: Since the adolescent is having symptoms that precede a seizure (blurred vision), administering an anticonvulsant as prescribed can help prevent or reduce seizure activity.
• Place the client lying on the side: Lying on the side ensures an open airway and reduces the risk of aspiration during a seizure. This position also allows secretions to drain safely.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Place a tongue blade in the client’s mouth: A tongue blade can cause injury to the teeth or mouth and increase choking risk. The proper approach is to place the client on their side and avoid putting objects in their mouth.
• Restrict movement in the extremities: Restricting movement could cause injury. The focus should be on safety by allowing the seizure to occur without interference while monitoring vital signs and activity.