The nurse is completing an admission assessment on a client diagnosed with asthma. What clinical manifestations are typical of the disorder?

Choice A reason: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps to open up the airways, making it easier to breathe. It is commonly used in the treatment of acute bronchitis, especially if the patient is experiencing wheezing or shortness of breath. Albuterol works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which helps to relieve symptoms of bronchospasm.

Choice B reason: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear out. This can be particularly helpful for a patient with a productive cough and green sputum, as it aids in clearing the respiratory passages. Guaifenesin is often used in the management of acute bronchitis to help alleviate symptoms.

Choice C reason: Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways. It can be beneficial in severe cases of acute bronchitis where there is significant inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes. Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone are used to decrease the inflammatory response and improve breathing.

Choice D reason: Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. However, in the case of acute bronchitis with a productive cough, suppressing the cough can be counterproductive. The goal is to clear the mucus from the airways, and suppressing the cough can lead to mucus retention and potentially worsen the condition. Therefore, the use of a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan is not recommended in this scenario.

Choice A Reason:

Notifying the surgeon of the blood pressure is important, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The primary concern is to manage the patient’s high blood pressure to prevent any complications during surgery. Once the blood pressure is under control, the nurse can then notify the surgeon if necessary.

Choice B Reason:

Documenting the blood pressure on the pre-op checklist is a necessary step, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse’s first action should be to address the elevated blood pressure to ensure the patient’s safety. Documentation can be done after the immediate concern is managed.

Choice C Reason:

Having the client relax and take deep breaths can help lower blood pressure temporarily, but it is not a sufficient intervention for a blood pressure reading as high as 174/88. The nurse should take a more direct approach to manage the hypertension, such as administering the prescribed antihypertensive medication.

Choice D Reason:

Administering the antihypertensive medication is the most appropriate first action. The patient is NPO (nothing by mouth) except for medications, indicating that the medication should still be given. This action directly addresses the elevated blood pressure and helps to stabilize the patient before surgery.