A patient with a history of asthma is admitted with an exacerbation. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer a short-acting bronchodilator. The first step in managing an asthma exacerbation is to provide quick relief by administering a short-acting bronchodilator like albuterol. This medication helps to open up the airways rapidly, providing immediate relief of symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Administering a bronchodilator is crucial in the acute management of an asthma exacerbation as it targets bronchoconstriction. Oral steroids (choice C) are typically used for more severe exacerbations or when initial bronchodilator therapy is ineffective. Administering an inhaled beta-agonist (choice D) is a valid option, but a short-acting bronchodilator is preferred for immediate relief in the initial management of an exacerbation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. Oxygen administration is the priority in a patient with heart failure experiencing shortness of breath to improve oxygenation and reduce workload on the heart. Oxygen therapy helps alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications. Administering morphine (choice B) is not the first priority as it can depress the respiratory system and mask important symptoms. Monitoring respiratory status (choice C) is important but providing oxygen takes precedence to address the immediate need for improved oxygenation. Choice D is a duplicate of choice A, making it incorrect.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels. The priority action is to assess the patient's oxygen saturation as the vital signs indicate potential hypoperfusion. This could be due to inadequate tissue oxygenation, which is critical to address to prevent further deterioration. Administering a vasopressor (A) may further decrease blood pressure. Administering a loop diuretic (B) is not appropriate as the patient is hypotensive. Administering short-acting insulin (C) is not indicated in this scenario. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels will provide crucial information on the patient's respiratory status and guide appropriate interventions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer insulin therapy. Blurred vision in a patient with a history of diabetes indicates possible hyperglycemia, requiring immediate insulin therapy to lower blood glucose levels and prevent further complications. Administering insulin is the priority to address the root cause. Monitoring blood glucose levels (A) is important but not the priority over administering insulin therapy. Administering pain medication (B) and a pain reliever (D) are not appropriate actions for blurred vision in a diabetic patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase oxygen flow. In COPD, the priority is to maintain adequate oxygenation. Increasing oxygen flow helps improve oxygen saturation and relieve respiratory distress. Monitoring vital signs (B) is important but not the priority in this case. Administering insulin therapy (C and D) is irrelevant as it does not address the immediate respiratory needs of a patient with COPD.