A young patient with a history of asthma begins having decreased breath sounds and wheezing after physical activity. What is the nurse's priority action?

Administer an inhaled steroid such as Pulmicort

Administer an anxiolytic such as diazepam

Administer an oral steroid such as prednisone

Administer a short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) such as albuterol

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Administer an inhaled steroid such as Pulmicort: Inhaled corticosteroids are used for long-term control of asthma and do not provide immediate relief during an acute episode. They take hours to days to reduce airway inflammation, making them unsuitable for urgent symptom relief.

B. Administer an anxiolytic such as diazepam: Asthma symptoms such as wheezing and decreased breath sounds are due to bronchoconstriction, not anxiety. Anxiolytics may suppress respiratory drive and are not appropriate or effective for treating acute asthma.

C. Administer an oral steroid such as prednisone: Oral corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation during an asthma exacerbation, but their onset is delayed. They are used after the acute phase is managed, not as a first-line intervention for immediate symptom relief.

D. Administer a short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) such as albuterol: SABAs provide rapid bronchodilation and are the first-line treatment for acute asthma symptoms. They relax bronchial smooth muscle, quickly relieving wheezing and restoring airflow.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

A. Complaints of frequent foul-smelling stool:Clients with cystic fibrosis often have pancreatic enzyme deficiencies, leading to malabsorption and steatorrhea frequent, bulky, and foul-smelling stools that contain undigested fat.

B. Finger clubbing:Clubbing is a result of chronic hypoxia and is a common finding in patients with long-standing pulmonary disease such as cystic fibrosis. It reflects poor oxygenation over time.

C. "Salty" skin surfaces:One of the hallmark signs of cystic fibrosis is salty-tasting skin due to excessive chloride in sweat. It is often noted by parents and used in the diagnosis through sweat chloride testing.

D. Extreme thirst:While dehydration can occur in CF, especially in hot weather, extreme thirst is not a common or defining symptom. It is more typically associated with conditions like diabetes mellitus or insipidus.

E. Thick sputum production:CF leads to thick, sticky mucus production in the lungs and airways. This results in chronic cough, recurrent infections, and difficulty clearing secretions, all of which are prominent clinical features.

A. Normal temperature B. Slightly elevated heart rate C. Nasal flaring and intercostal retractions D. Use of maintenance inhaler

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Normal temperature:A temperature of 98.6°F (37°C) is within the normal range and does not contribute to the assessment of asthma severity. It helps rule out infection but does not reflect worsening respiratory status.

B. Slightly elevated heart rate:A heart rate of 122 bpm is elevated for a 7-year-old and may indicate respiratory distress or anxiety. However, it is a nonspecific finding and not the strongest indicator of worsening asthma.

C. Nasal flaring and intercostal retractions:These are classic signs of increased work of breathing and indicate significant respiratory distress. They reflect worsening airway obstruction and the need for immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration.

D. Use of maintenance inhaler:Use of a maintenance inhaler such as fluticasone is part of routine asthma management and does not indicate worsening symptoms. It is a preventive measure, not a reflection of acute status.

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A young patient with a history of asthma begins having decreased breath sounds and wheezing after physical activity. What is the nurse's priority action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A young adult is admitted with manifestations associated with cystic fibrosis. What should the nurse expect to find when collecting data from this patient? (Select 4 options that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

Exhibits Which physical sign most strongly supports the nurse's concern for worsening asthma?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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