What is the priority intervention for a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack?

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Question 1 of 9

What is the priority intervention for a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. During an acute asthma attack, the priority intervention is to immediately open the airways to improve breathing. Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, work rapidly to dilate the bronchioles and relieve bronchospasms, making it the most effective initial treatment. Corticosteroids (B) are used for long-term control, not immediate relief. Applying oxygen and administering albuterol (C) is close, but bronchodilators should be given first for quicker relief. Applying a cold compress (D) is not appropriate for managing an asthma attack.

Question 2 of 9

What is the priority action when caring for a client with a severe burn?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer pain relief. This is the priority action because managing pain is crucial in providing comfort and reducing distress for the client with a severe burn. Pain relief helps in improving the client's overall well-being and promotes better recovery. Administering corticosteroids (Choice B) is not the priority as pain relief takes precedence. Monitoring for infection (Choice C) is important but not the immediate priority. Applying dressings (Choice D) is also important but should come after administering pain relief.

Question 3 of 9

What is the priority nursing action for a client who is receiving blood transfusion and develops a fever?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Stop the transfusion - Febrile reaction can indicate a transfusion reaction, so stopping the transfusion is crucial. Step 2: Administer antipyretics - To reduce fever and prevent further complications. Step 3: Assess for other signs of transfusion reaction - Such as chills, rash, or hypotension. Summary: Option A is correct as it addresses the immediate need to stop the transfusion and manage the fever. Options B, C, and D do not prioritize stopping the transfusion, which is crucial in this scenario.

Question 4 of 9

A client has been diagnosed with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and transferred to the ICU for Heparin therapy. Which finding indicates a positive response to Heparin therapy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: increased fibrinogen. In DIC, there is consumption of coagulation factors leading to decreased fibrinogen levels. Heparin therapy helps by inhibiting further thrombus formation, allowing the body to replenish fibrinogen levels. Increased fibrinogen indicates a positive response. Incorrect choices: A) increased platelet count is not specific to Heparin therapy in DIC, C) decreased fibrin split products indicate ongoing coagulation, not a positive response, and D) decreased bleeding is a general response and not specific to Heparin therapy in DIC.

Question 5 of 9

What is the nurse's first action when a client presents with symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer glucose. The nurse's first action in treating hypoglycemia is to increase the client's blood glucose levels to prevent further complications. Administering glucose helps quickly raise blood sugar levels, addressing the immediate issue. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as administering insulin would further decrease blood sugar levels, administering oxygen is not the primary intervention for hypoglycemia, and administering antipyretics is used for reducing fever, not treating hypoglycemia.

Question 6 of 9

What is the first intervention for a client with an acute asthma attack?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. In an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, allowing the client to breathe easier. Corticosteroids are used for long-term control, not immediate relief. Oxygen therapy may be needed if the client's oxygen levels are low. Pain medication is not indicated for an acute asthma attack as the primary issue is airway constriction, not pain. Administering bronchodilators first helps address the immediate breathing difficulty in an asthma attack.

Question 7 of 9

What should the nurse do first when a client is experiencing an allergic reaction?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for an allergic reaction as it helps to reverse severe symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. Administering epinephrine promptly can prevent the allergic reaction from escalating into a life-threatening situation. Antihistamines (choice B) may be given after epinephrine for symptom relief but are not as immediate in action. Monitoring vital signs (choice C) is important, but administering epinephrine takes precedence in managing the allergic reaction. Providing a cold compress (choice D) may help with local swelling but does not address the systemic effects of the allergic reaction.

Question 8 of 9

What should a nurse prioritize for a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing an exacerbation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Administer oxygen Rationale: 1. Oxygen therapy is crucial in managing COPD exacerbation to improve oxygen saturation levels. 2. Adequate oxygenation is essential to prevent further respiratory distress and potential complications. 3. Oxygen therapy helps alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, improving overall comfort. 4. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels guides the effectiveness of treatment and ensures appropriate oxygen delivery. Summary: - Administering corticosteroids (A) may help reduce inflammation in COPD exacerbation but does not address the immediate need for oxygen. - Monitoring respiratory rate (C) is important but prioritizing oxygen administration is more critical for immediate respiratory support. - Administering diuretics (D) may be indicated in certain cases of COPD exacerbation with fluid retention but is not the priority over oxygen therapy.

Question 9 of 9

What should the nurse do if a client experiences an allergic reaction to a medication?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because when a client experiences an allergic reaction to a medication, the nurse should monitor for signs of infection as allergic reactions can sometimes lead to secondary infections. By closely monitoring the client for signs of infection, the nurse can promptly intervene and provide appropriate treatment. A: Discontinuing the medication is important but not the immediate priority when dealing with an allergic reaction. B: Notifying the healthcare provider is important, but monitoring for signs of infection takes precedence in this situation. C: Administering antihistamines may help with allergic symptoms but does not address the potential risk of secondary infection.

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