The nurse is preparing the client assignments for the day to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which client should the nurse assign to the LPN? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Smoking is a significant trigger for asthma attacks. Tobacco smoke contains numerous irritants and chemicals that can inflame the airways and make asthma symptoms worse. Avoiding smoking, as well as second-hand smoke, is crucial for managing asthma and reducing the likelihood of attacks.

Choice B reason: The peak flow meter is a crucial tool for asthma management. It measures how well air moves out of the lungs. If a reading is in the red zone, it means that the airway is significantly obstructed, and immediate medical intervention is required. Calling 911 ensures that the patient gets timely help, which can be life-saving in severe asthma attacks.

Choice C reason: Washing bed clothes regularly is important because dust mites, which are common asthma triggers, thrive in bedding. Regular washing at a high temperature can kill these mites and reduce their presence, thereby minimizing one of the common indoor asthma triggers.

Choice D reason: Keeping the house fresh with air fresheners is actually not recommended for asthma patients. Many air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Instead, maintaining good ventilation and using non-chemical methods to keep the air fresh is preferred.

Choice E reason: Using an inhaler two hours before exercising is not a standard recommendation for asthma management. Typically, a quick-relief inhaler (bronchodilator) is used 15-30 minutes before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. The two-hour mark is not effective in ensuring the medication's peak action during the exercise period.

Choice A reason: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system. One of its effects is relaxation of the smooth muscles in the bladder, which can lead to urinary retention. This occurs because the bladder's ability to contract is inhibited, making it difficult for the patient to void.

Choice B reason: Bradycardia is not an expected effect of atropine. In fact, atropine is often used to treat bradycardia by increasing heart rate. It works by blocking the vagus nerve's influence on the heart, which normally acts to slow the heart rate. Therefore, atropine would be expected to cause an increase in heart rate, not a decrease.

Choice C reason: Diarrhea is not a common effect of atropine. Atropine works by reducing the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a decrease in bowel movements and potentially causing constipation rather than diarrhea. Anticholinergic drugs like atropine reduce gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to a slower passage of food through the intestines.

Choice D reason: Vomiting is not typically associated with the administration of atropine. While nausea and vomiting can be side effects of many medications, atropine more commonly causes dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. The medication's action on the gastrointestinal tract tends to slow digestive processes rather than stimulate vomiting.