A patient came to the walk-in clinic with extremely labored breathing and a history of asthma that is unresponsive to prescribed inhalers or medications. What would you do first?
Call 911 and report that the patient has probable status asthmaticus.
Obtain the equipment and prepare the patient for intubation.
Establish IV access to give emergency medication.
Place the patient in a high Fowler's position and start oxygen therapy.
The Correct Answer is D
A. While status asthmaticus is a severe, life-threatening asthma exacerbation, the first step is to stabilize the patient by improving oxygenation and relieving airway obstruction, not immediately calling 911 unless the situation worsens.
B. Intubation is not the first step unless the patient's respiratory status continues to deteriorate despite initial interventions. The focus should be on improving oxygenation and managing the airway.
C. Establishing IV access and administering emergency medications, such as corticosteroids or bronchodilators, may be necessary, but the first priority is to improve the patient's breathing and oxygenation.
D. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position helps to open the airways and facilitate breathing. Starting oxygen therapy is essential to support oxygenation in a patient with labored breathing. This should be the first intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A hoarse cough may occur with partial airway obstruction, but it is not a typical sign of a complete obstruction. A total obstruction would more likely lead to inability to cough effectively.
B. A total obstruction of the airway, such as from aspirated material, can lead to rapid loss of consciousness due to the lack of oxygen reaching the brain. This is a critical emergency.
C. Inflammation of the mucosa is a response to irritation or injury but would not be the primary manifestation of a total airway obstruction.
D. Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) is common with airway obstructions, but in the case of total obstruction, the person would be unable to breathe at all, leading to more severe signs like loss of consciousness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increased total body water due to an increase in muscle mass is incorrect because muscle tissue holds more water than fat tissue, but as people age, they typically lose muscle mass, not gain it.
B. Decreased total body water due to a decrease in muscle mass is correct. As people age, muscle mass generally decreases, and since muscle tissue contains more water than fat tissue, the total body water decreases with aging.
C. Increased total body water caused by increased fat mass is incorrect because fat tissue actually holds less water than muscle tissue. As fat mass increases, total body water typically decreases.
D. Decreased total body water caused by decreased fat mass is incorrect because fat tissue does not significantly contribute to total body water, and the loss of fat does not have a significant impact on water content in the body.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.