In providing care to a patient admitted with an acute asthma exacerbation, the nurse prepares which "rescue" medication for administration first?

Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists

Short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists

Mucolytic

Inhaled anti-inflammatories

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) are used for the maintenance treatment of asthma but are not suitable for immediate relief during an acute exacerbation. They take longer to take effect and are used as part of a long-term management plan rather than a rescue plan.
B.   Short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (SABAs), such as albuterol, are the first-line treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. They work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, providing immediate relief of bronchospasm and improving airflow. This is why they are referred to as "rescue" medications.
C.   Mucolytics are used to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, which can be helpful for conditions involving thick mucus. However, they are not used for immediate relief of asthma symptoms and do not address bronchospasm directly. They are not appropriate as a first-line treatment in an acute asthma attack.
D.   Inhaled corticosteroids are used for long-term control of asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways. While they are important for ongoing management, they do not provide immediate relief during an acute asthma exacerbation and should not be used as rescue medication.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. This is the mechanism of action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, not calcium channel blockers. ACE inhibitors work by preventing the formation of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict.
B. Calcium channel blockers do not directly affect angiotensin.
C. This is the correct mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers. By blocking the influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells, these medications cause the blood vessels to relax and dilate, lowering blood pressure.
D. Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, which decreases their ability to contract and cause vasoconstriction.

A. Patient color B. Lung sounds C. Heart tones D. Bowel sounds E. Peripheral pulses F. Respiratory rate and effort G. Pulse oximetry reading H. Peak expiratory flow

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","F","G","H"]

Explanation

A. The patient's color can indicate their oxygenation status. Cyanosis (bluish tint) may suggest hypoxia, which is critical to assess in an asthma patient.
B. Auscultation of lung sounds is essential in asthma assessment. The presence of wheezing, prolonged expiration, or decreased breath sounds can indicate airway obstruction and the severity of the asthma exacerbation.
C. Assessing heart tones can provide information about the cardiovascular response to respiratory distress. Increased heart rate may occur due to hypoxia or anxiety associated with asthma attacks.
D. Bowel sounds are not relevant in the assessment of asthma. While gastrointestinal symptoms may co- occur in some patients, they are not directly related to asthma's respiratory condition.
E. While peripheral pulses are important in general assessments, they do not provide specific information relevant to asthma management or respiratory status.
F. Monitoring respiratory rate and effort is crucial in assessing asthma. Increased respiratory rate and use of accessory muscles may indicate respiratory distress or an asthma exacerbation.
G. A pulse oximetry reading provides an objective measure of oxygen saturation. Low oxygen saturation levels indicate inadequate oxygenation, which is critical to monitor in asthma patients.
H. Measuring peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) helps assess the severity of airway obstruction and monitor asthma control. It can guide treatment decisions and determine if an asthma attack is occurring.

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In providing care to a patient admitted with an acute asthma exacerbation, the nurse prepares which "rescue" medication for administration first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In administering a calcium channel blocker to a patient diagnosed with primary hypertension, the nurse understands this is due to which mechanism of action of this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which physical assessment(s) would be pertinent to the patient with asthma? (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","F","G","H"]

Explanation

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