Phases of AIDS.

Choice A reason: Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, but inspiratory stridor, cough, and tachypnea suggest acute airway obstruction, like croup or bronchospasm. Antibiotics are not immediate for these symptoms, as they address infection, not airway narrowing, making this a lower-priority treatment.

Choice B reason: Sputum culture identifies pathogens but is not urgent for inspiratory stridor, which indicates airway compromise needing immediate relief. Cultures guide long-term therapy, not acute management, making this an incorrect priority for the patient’s presentation.

Choice C reason: Inhaled bronchodilators, like albuterol, are the priority for inspiratory stridor, nonproductive cough, and tachypnea, as they relax airway smooth muscles, relieving bronchospasm or narrowing. This addresses acute airway obstruction, common in conditions like asthma or croup, making it the correct treatment.

Choice D reason: History of illness exposure informs diagnosis but delays treatment for acute airway symptoms. Inspiratory stridor requires immediate intervention to ensure airway patency, making history-taking secondary to addressing the urgent respiratory distress, thus an incorrect priority.

Choice A reason: Achalasia increases aspiration risk due to esophageal dysmotility. Oropharyngeal suctioning equipment at the bedside ensures airway safety, making this a critical intervention to prioritize in the care plan.

Choice B reason: Small, frequent meals reduce esophageal pressure in achalasia, easing swallowing and minimizing regurgitation. This dietary adjustment is essential for symptom management, making it a correct intervention to prioritize.

Choice C reason: Thickened fluids only may not be necessary; achalasia patients can often manage various consistencies with proper positioning. Other interventions like suctioning and small meals are more critical, so this is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Antiemetics before meals reduce nausea and vomiting, common in achalasia due to food retention. This improves patient comfort and nutrition, making it a correct intervention to prioritize in care.

Choice E reason: Elevating the head of the bed prevents regurgitation and aspiration in achalasia, especially during sleep. This positioning is a key safety measure, making it a correct intervention to prioritize.