A nurse is preparing to administer hydrocortisone 100 mg IM daily to a client. Available is hydrocortisone 250 mg/2 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest tenth number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Agitation is a sign of hypoxemia, as the brain is deprived of oxygen and becomes irritable and restless.

The other options are not correct because:

1. Nausea is not a specific manifestation of hypoxemia, as it can have many other causes such as medication side effects, gastrointestinal disorders, or anxiety.
2. Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, which is not related to hypoxemia or asthma. It can be caused by neurological, muscular, or structural problems in the throat or esophagus.
3. Hypotension is low blood pressure, which is not a typical manifestation of hypoxemia or asthma. It can be caused by dehydration, blood loss, shock, or heart failure.

These responses are correct and explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol is a short- acting beta2-agonist that causes bronchodilation and relieves bronchospasm, which are the main causes of wheezing and dyspnea in clients who have asthma or COPD. By opening the airways, albuterol improves gas exchange and oxygenation.

b) The medication will decrease coughing episodes. This response is incorrect and does not explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol does not have a direct effect on coughing, which is a reflex response to irritation or obstruction of the airways. Coughing may be beneficial for clearing secretions and mucus from the lungs, but it may also cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation. The nurse should advise the client to use other measures to decrease coughing, such as drinking fluids, using a humidifier, or taking an expectorant.
c) The medication will reduce inflammation. This response is incorrect and does not explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol does not have an anti-inflammatory effect on the airways, which are often inflamed and swollen in clients who have asthma or COPD. Inflammation can contribute to airway obstruction and mucus production, which impair gas exchange and oxygenation. The nurse should inform the client that albuterol is used for quick relief of acute symptoms, but not for long-term control or prevention of inflammation. The client may need to use another medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation.
e) The medication will stimulate flow of mucus. This response is incorrect and does not explain how albuterol helps the client's breathing. Albuterol does not have a direct effect on mucus production or clearance, which are often increased in clients who have asthma or COPD. Mucus can cause airway obstruction and infection, which impair gas exchange and oxygenation. The nurse should advise the client to use other measures to stimulate flow of mucus, such as drinking fluids, using a humidifier, or taking an expectorant.