The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with pneumonia. Which medication will the nurse administer for treatment of client's problem of ineffective airway clearance?
dextromethorphan 10 mg PO q 4 r
cromolyn MDI 2 puffs daily
guaifenesin 200 mg PO q 4 hr
methylprednisone 30 mg IV BID
The Correct Answer is C
A. Dextromethorphan 10 mg PO q 4 hr: Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant, and while it may be useful for controlling a dry, non-productive cough, it is not appropriate for ineffective airway clearance in pneumonia. In fact, suppressing the cough in pneumonia could prevent the patient from clearing mucus from the airways, exacerbating the problem. It is more appropriate for a client who has a dry cough without significant mucus production.
B. Cromolyn MDI 2 puffs daily: Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer used for the prevention of asthma and allergy symptoms, and it is not typically used for treating pneumonia or ineffective airway clearance. It works by preventing the release of inflammatory mediators in response to allergens, but it does not address the issue of clearing mucus in the airways during a bacterial infection like pneumonia.
C. Guaifenesin 200 mg PO q 4 hr: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier for the client to cough up and clear secretions. This is the most appropriate medication for addressing ineffective airway clearance in a client with pneumonia, as the goal is to facilitate the removal of mucus and improve respiratory function. Guaifenesin does not suppress the cough reflex but instead promotes productive coughing, which is essential for clearing the airways during a respiratory infection like pneumonia.
D. Methylprednisolone 30 mg IV BID: Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and control severe allergic or inflammatory conditions. While corticosteroids may be used in certain cases of pneumonia (e.g., in cases of significant inflammation or an underlying condition like COPD), they are not the first-line treatment for ineffective airway clearance. The priority in this case is to promote mucus clearance, which is better addressed by guaifenesin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["3.9"]
Explanation
Step-by-Step Solution:
Convert the toddler's weight from pounds to kilograms.
1 pound is =0.453592 kilograms.
So, 26 pounds = 26 x 0.453592 = 11.793592 kilograms.
Calculate the total daily dose of prednisolone.
The prescribed dose is 2 mg/kg/day.
The toddler weighs 11.793592 kg.
The total daily dose = 2 mg/kg/day x 11.793592 kg = 23.587184 mg/day.
Determine the dose per administration.
The total daily dose is divided into two equal doses (every 12 hours).
The dose per administration = 23.587184 mg/day / 2 = 11.793592 mg per dose.
Calculate the volume of prednisolone syrup to administer.
The available prednisolone syrup is 15 mg/5 ml.
We need to administer 11.793592 mg per dose.
To find the volume, we can set up a proportion:
15 mg / 5 ml = 11.793592 mg / x ml
Cross-multiplying:
15x = 5 x 11.793592
Solving for x:
x = (5 x 11.793592) / 15 = 3.931197 ml
Round the answer to the nearest tenth.
3.9 ml.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Call for the rapid response team and request a portable chest X-ray: While calling for assistance and obtaining a chest X-ray is important for further assessment, the immediate priority is to secure the wound to prevent air from entering the pleural space. This action will help stabilize the patient until the rapid response team arrives and the X-ray can be performed.
B. Turn the suction drainage system off and auscultate breath sounds: Turning off the suction and auscultating breath sounds may be necessary after the wound is secured, but these actions should not take priority over sealing the chest tube site. The focus at this moment is to prevent a tension pneumothorax by sealing the dislodged chest tube site. Auscultation of breath sounds is useful afterward to assess for respiratory complications, but it is not the first action to take.
C. Apply a sterile dressing and tape on three sides: The first action when a chest tube becomes accidentally dislodged is to seal the opening to prevent air from entering the pleural space, which could lead to a pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Applying a sterile dressing and taping it on three sides helps create a temporary one-way valve effect, allowing air to escape from the pleural space but preventing further air from being drawn in. This intervention is crucial to stabilize the patient while awaiting further evaluation and intervention.
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately: Notifying the healthcare provider is essential, but it is not the first action. The most important initial step is to seal the chest tube site to prevent further complications. After the dressing is applied, the nurse can then notify the healthcare provider and continue to monitor the patient.
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