A patient with asthma is being treated with corticosteroids. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further education?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because discontinuing corticosteroid therapy abruptly can lead to asthma exacerbation and potentially life-threatening consequences. Patients must not stop corticosteroids abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider. Choice B is incorrect as increasing the dose may be necessary under medical supervision. Choice C is incorrect as increasing the beta-agonist dose can be a part of asthma management. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring for signs of infection is a necessary precaution when on corticosteroid therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer analgesics. The priority nursing intervention for a postoperative patient experiencing severe pain is to address the pain first to ensure patient comfort and improve recovery. Administering analgesics will help alleviate the patient's pain and promote their well-being. IV fluids (choice B) may be necessary but addressing pain takes precedence. Antiemetics (choice C) may be needed if the patient is experiencing nausea or vomiting, but pain management is the immediate priority. Administering analgesics (choice A) is the most appropriate and urgent intervention to prioritize the patient's comfort and recovery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Place the patient on NPO status. This is crucial to prevent aspiration during surgery. NPO status ensures the patient's stomach is empty, reducing the risk of vomiting and aspiration of stomach contents during anesthesia induction. Explanation (B) and (C) are important but not the immediate priority. Performing a preoperative assessment (D) is also important but not as critical as ensuring the patient is NPO to prevent complications during surgery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer oral antihypertensives. The priority action for a patient with hypertension experiencing dizziness and headache is to address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which is likely elevated blood pressure. Administering oral antihypertensives will help lower the patient's blood pressure and alleviate the symptoms. Explanation: 1. Assess the patient's vital signs to confirm hypertension. 2. Administering oral antihypertensives is a quick and effective way to lower blood pressure. 3. Monitoring the patient's response to the medication is crucial. 4. Administering oxygen therapy (Choice C) is not the priority as the symptoms are likely due to hypertension, not hypoxia. 5. Administering antihypertensive medication (Choice A) or a beta-blocker (Choice B) via other routes may not be as quick or effective as oral medications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a bronchodilator. During an asthma attack, the priority intervention is to quickly open the airways to improve breathing. Bronchodilators work rapidly to relax and widen the airways, providing immediate relief. This intervention takes precedence over administering corticosteroids, monitoring vital signs, or administering antibiotics, which are not the primary interventions for managing an acute asthma attack. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation over time, while monitoring vital signs is important but not the immediate priority. Administering antibiotics is not indicated unless there is a clear indication of a bacterial infection.