Exhibits
The nurse starts the albuterol nebulizer as prescribed.
Which should the nurse assess after the albuterol nebulizer treatment is complete? Select all that apply.
Temperature
Breath sounds
Complete blood count
Heart rate
Peak inspiratory flow
Serum sodium
Peak expiratory flow
Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer : A,B,D,G,H
A. Assessing temperature is important to monitor for any signs of infection or inflammation, which could exacerbate the asthma condition or indicate a concurrent illness.
B. Evaluating breath sounds helps determine the effectiveness of the albuterol treatment in relieving bronchospasm. Clearer breath sounds suggest improved air entry and reduced wheezing.
C. While CBC can provide valuable information, it is not typically immediately necessary after an albuterol treatment unless there are specific concerns about infection or other systemic issues.
D. Monitoring the heart rate is crucial as albuterol can cause tachycardia (elevated heart rate) as a side effect. It's important to ensure that the heart rate does not become excessively elevated, which may indicate a need to adjust treatment or monitor more closely.
E. Peak inspiratory flow is less commonly used in asthma management compared to peak expiratory flow. It's the maximum flow rate during inhalation and is not typically assessed routinely in the immediate post-treatment period.
F. Assessing serum sodium is not directly related to monitoring asthma exacerbation or response to bronchodilator therapy.
G. PEF measures the maximum speed at which a person can exhale air after a deep breath. It is a direct indicator of lung function and the severity of airway obstruction in asthma. Assessing PEF post-albuterol treatment helps gauge how well the airways have responded to the bronchodilator therapy.
H. Checking oxygen saturation ensures that the patient's oxygen levels have improved following the administration of albuterol. The goal is to maintain oxygen saturation above 94%, as per the treatment plan.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale
A. This option may seem reasonable, as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are concerns in DKA. However, simply drinking electrolyte fluids without addressing the underlying cause of DKA (which is insulin deficiency) would not effectively manage the condition.
B. Physical activity may exacerbate DKA if insulin levels are inadequate. It is important to stabilize blood glucose levels and manage DKA before engaging in physical activity.
C. In DKA, there is an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin, leading to hyperglycemia and ketosis. Regular insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels and inhibit further breakdown of fats into ketones, thereby correcting the metabolic imbalance associated with DKA.
D. Monitoring urine output is important in assessing hydration status, but it does not address the immediate need to manage DKA. This action alone would not correct the underlying cause of increased thirst in DKA.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale
A. Measuring vital signs, including respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, is important to assess the client's overall status and to determine the severity of the dyspnea. Vital signs provide essential information to guide further interventions. While important, this action may not directly alleviate the client's immediate distress from dyspnea.
B. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (sitting upright with the head of the bed elevated to 90 degrees) helps to maximize chest expansion and improve lung ventilation. This position can relieve dyspnea by reducing pressure on the diaphragm and improving lung compliance. It is a simple and effective intervention for clients experiencing respiratory distress.
C. While deep breathing exercises are beneficial for promoting lung expansion and improving respiratory function, they may not be appropriate as the first action when the client is already dyspneic. The priority
should be to position the client to alleviate immediate breathing difficulty before initiating exercises that require active participation.
D. Auscultating breath sounds is important for assessing lung function and detecting any abnormalities such as adventitious sounds (e.g., crackles, wheezes). However, this action is secondary to placing the client in a high Fowler's position to relieve dyspnea. Auscultation can be performed after the client's breathing has stabilized.
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