A patient with acute asthma exacerbation reports worsening symptoms despite frequent inhaler use. What should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Reassess the patient's peak expiratory flow) Rationale: Reassessing the peak expiratory flow is crucial to determine the severity of the asthma exacerbation and guide further treatment. It helps assess lung function and response to therapy, aiding in adjusting the treatment plan promptly. This step is essential in managing acute asthma exacerbations effectively. Administering systemic corticosteroids (choice A) is important but should follow proper assessment. Teaching about triggers (choice C) is beneficial but not the priority during an exacerbation. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) can be done after reassessment.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer a bronchodilator. This is the priority intervention because bronchodilators help to quickly open the airways during an asthma attack, improving breathing. Administering a bronchodilator is crucial for managing acute asthma symptoms. Encouraging the patient to avoid triggers (choice B) is important for long-term asthma management but not the priority during an acute attack. Administering an inhaled corticosteroid (choice C) is more for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms, not for immediate relief during an attack. Choice A is a duplicate of the correct answer and does not provide additional information.

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.