A patient with an acute asthma attack is using an albuterol inhaler frequently. What is the nurse's best action?

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Chapter 41 Oxygenation NCLEX Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient with an acute asthma attack is using an albuterol inhaler frequently. What is the nurse's best action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's technique for inhaler use. This is crucial because improper inhaler technique can lead to ineffective medication delivery. By assessing the technique, the nurse can ensure the patient is using the inhaler correctly to optimize treatment efficacy. Providing education on spacer devices (B) may be beneficial, but assessing the current technique should be the initial step. Notifying the healthcare provider for additional treatment options (C) is premature without first assessing the current technique. Teaching the patient to use the inhaler only as needed (D) does not address the core issue of proper technique.

Question 2 of 5

A patient who has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was hospitalized for increasing shortness of breath and chronic hypoxemia (SaO2 levels of 89% to 90%). In planning for discharge, which action by the nurse will be most effective in improving compliance with discharge teaching?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because accomplishing patient teaching just before discharge ensures the information is fresh in the patient's mind. This timing maximizes retention and understanding of instructions, increasing compliance post-discharge. Choice A lacks timing specificity. Choice B may not always be feasible, and the caregiver may not be available. Choice D is a duplicate of choice B and does not address the timing issue. Ultimately, timing the teaching just before discharge is the most effective strategy for improving compliance.

Question 3 of 5

A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. Which assessment finding would indicate that the treatment is effective?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Monitoring vital signs for changes is crucial to assess the patient's overall condition and response to treatment. Step 2: Vital signs include temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Step 3: Improvement in vital signs such as decreased temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate would indicate treatment effectiveness. Step 4: Respiratory status and oxygen saturation levels are important but may not provide a comprehensive assessment of treatment efficacy. Step 5: Administering antibiotics is part of the treatment plan but does not directly indicate treatment effectiveness. Summary: Monitoring vital signs for changes is the most direct and reliable way to assess the effectiveness of treatment for pneumonia, making it the correct choice. The other options may provide valuable information but are not as direct indicators of treatment efficacy.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer intravenous fluids. In acute pancreatitis, fluid resuscitation is crucial to maintain circulation and prevent hypovolemic shock. It helps support organ perfusion and prevent complications like acute kidney injury. Providing a high-protein diet (B) is contraindicated as the pancreas needs to rest. Administering insulin (C) may be needed for hyperglycemia but is not the priority. Monitoring respiratory status (D) is important, but fluid resuscitation takes precedence to stabilize the patient's condition.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of asthma. The patient is experiencing an asthma attack. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer an inhaler. During an asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways to improve breathing. Administering an inhaler with a bronchodilator medication helps to relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe. This intervention addresses the immediate respiratory distress the patient is experiencing. Monitoring oxygen saturation (C) is important but not the priority as administering the inhaler takes precedence in managing the acute respiratory distress. Administering IV epinephrine (B) is not typically recommended as a first-line treatment for asthma attacks. Administering antiemetics (D) is not relevant to managing an asthma attack.

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