A client receives a beta-adrenergic bronchodilator and supplemental oxygen when entering the ED for treatment of asthma, but the client's condition remains unchanged. The nurse would an-ticipate that the client will

a. be coached immediately in pursed-lip breathing.
b. receive increased intravenous fluids.
c. receive intravenous (IV) steroids.
d. undergo "stat" pulmonary function tests.


C
Emergency management of the asthmatic client begins with inhaled beta-adrenergic drugs. If the asthma does not abate, nebulized atropine sulfate or IV steroids may be given. None of the other three options are related; pulmonary function tests (PFTs) can be done when the client is stable. Pursed-lip breathing might be helpful in the setting of an acute attack when no medications are nearby.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A patient is experiencing severe pain, despite receiving pain medication for the past 24 hours. The patient's wife expresses concern about this to the nurse. Which response by the nurse would be most empowering to the patient's family?

A) Explain that the doctor is an expert on pain medication and that the current level of medication is the best. B) Recommend that the family members take turns massaging the patient's feet to distract from the pain. C) Encourage the family to request that the physician evaluate the patient's pain control. D) Ask the family to wait another 24 hours to see whether the patient's pain level will go down.

Nursing

The nurse cautions that infections can enter the upper genital tract as the mucous plug becomes more permeable:

a. during intercourse. b. during premenstrual period. c. during postmenstrual period. d. while on oral birth control pills.

Nursing

A mother has called the triage nurse to find out which fluids she should give her son that has been vomiting for the last 12 hours. Identify the fluid that would be appropriate to give the child

1. Water 2. Red Kool-Aid 3. Diet Cola 4. Red or orange Gatorade

Nursing

Mr. Smith was temporarily taken off chemotherapy despite responding very well to the treatment. This is often practiced when using chemotherapy because:

A. additional time allows cell-cycle nonspecific drugs to be effective. B. additional time allows for recovery of the normal cells. C. additional time allows the immune system to fight off the tumor. D. additional time allows medical staff to test for remission.

Nursing