The nurse prepares to administer a rescue inhaler to a patient with asthma. Which medication is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Albuterol (Ventolin) because it is a short-acting beta agonist that works rapidly to dilate the airways, providing quick relief of bronchoconstriction in asthma attacks. Albuterol is commonly used as a rescue inhaler for acute asthma exacerbations due to its fast onset of action. Option A) Ipratropium (Atrovent) is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that is more commonly used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not for acute asthma attacks. Option B) Salmeterol (Serevent) is a long-acting beta agonist that is used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms, not for immediate relief during an acute attack. Option C) Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for long-term control of asthma and allergic rhinitis, not for acute rescue during an asthma attack. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate use of rescue inhalers in asthma management is crucial for nurses caring for patients with asthma. Knowing the differences between various inhalers helps nurses provide timely and effective interventions in acute situations, improving patient outcomes and safety.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Check for obstructions in the chest tube. This is the appropriate next step because the absent breath sounds on one side post-lobectomy indicate a potential issue with lung reinflation or air passage. Checking for obstructions in the chest tube is crucial as a blockage can prevent proper drainage of fluid or air from the pleural space, leading to lung collapse or other complications. Option A) Encouraging deep breathing is not the priority when there are absent breath sounds, as it does not address the underlying issue of potential tube obstruction. Option C) Repositioning the patient may not immediately resolve the absence of breath sounds and could delay necessary intervention. Option D) Notifying the healthcare provider is important but not the initial action needed to address the immediate concern of absent breath sounds and potential tube blockage. In an educational context, understanding the importance of prompt assessment and intervention in respiratory issues post-lobectomy is critical for nurses. This question highlights the significance of recognizing and responding to changes in breath sounds to prevent respiratory complications in post-surgical patients. Nurses must prioritize quick and accurate clinical assessments to provide timely and effective care to patients undergoing thoracic surgeries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority should be option B) Assist the patient back to bed. This is the correct choice because a drop in oxygen saturation in a patient with COPD while ambulating indicates a potential worsening of their condition. Moving the patient back to bed will help decrease their oxygen demand and workload on the respiratory system, potentially improving oxygenation. Option A) Increase oxygen flow rate is incorrect because simply increasing oxygen flow may not address the underlying issue causing the drop in saturation. It is essential to assess the patient's overall condition first. Option C) Reassess oxygen saturation in 5 minutes is not the priority because the immediate action should be taken to address the drop in oxygen saturation and ensure the patient's safety. Option D) Encourage pursed-lip breathing is not the priority in this situation as it may not be effective enough to quickly improve oxygen saturation in a patient experiencing a drop while ambulating. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing patient safety and addressing acute changes in oxygenation levels promptly, especially in individuals with underlying respiratory conditions like COPD. Understanding the significance of oxygen saturation monitoring and appropriate interventions is crucial for nurses caring for patients with compromised respiratory function.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Peripheral neuropathy. Isoniazid, a medication commonly used to treat tuberculosis, can lead to peripheral neuropathy as a side effect. This occurs due to the depletion of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) by isoniazid, leading to nerve damage. Monitoring for symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the extremities is crucial to prevent worsening of this condition. Option B) Orange discoloration of body fluids is incorrect as this side effect is associated with rifampin, another medication used in TB treatment. Option C) Visual changes are not typically associated with isoniazid use. Option D) Hearing loss is not a known side effect of isoniazid. In an educational context, understanding the side effects of medications used in the treatment of tuberculosis is essential for nurses caring for patients with this condition. Monitoring for and recognizing potential adverse effects early can help in providing safe and effective care to patients undergoing TB treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Assess for tube obstruction. When a patient with a chest tube exhibits subcutaneous emphysema, which is the accumulation of air under the skin, the nurse's first action should be to assess for tube obstruction. Subcutaneous emphysema can indicate that air is not draining properly through the chest tube, which can lead to serious complications such as a tension pneumothorax. Notifying the healthcare provider (option A) may be necessary after assessing for tube obstruction, but it is not the first action. Repositioning the chest tube (option B) should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider to prevent further complications. Monitoring the area and documenting findings (option D) is important but not the priority when the patient's condition may be deteriorating due to a possible tube obstruction. In an educational context, understanding the priority actions in managing chest tube complications is crucial for nurses caring for patients with respiratory issues. Assessing for tube obstruction ensures timely intervention to prevent respiratory compromise and further complications, highlighting the importance of prompt and accurate nursing assessment skills in critical situations.