The nurse is caring for a patient who has asthma. The provider has ordered an albuterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI), 2 puffs q4 to 6h PRN wheezing. The patient's last dose was 4 hours ago. What is the nurse's next action?
a. Administer 2 puffs of albuterol with the MDI.
b. Auscultate the patient's lung sounds.
c. Give the albuterol if the patient reports wheezing.
d. Give the medication and evaluate its effectiveness.
ANS: B
The albuterol is to be given PRN if the patient is wheezing. The nurse should assess breath sounds and give the medication if the patient is wheezing. Even if the patient reports wheezing, the nurse should make and document an assessment.
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