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.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vitamin B12. Strict vegetarians, especially those who exclude all animal products, are at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency as it is primarily found in animal products. Vitamin C (A) deficiency is more common in those with poor fruit and vegetable intake. Vitamin E (C) deficiency is rare and usually seen in individuals with specific medical conditions. Magnesium (D) deficiency can occur in individuals with poor dietary intake or certain medical conditions, but it is not the primary concern for strict vegetarians.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: coma. High ammonia levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, causing impaired brain function and potentially leading to coma. Edema (B) is typically associated with fluid retention, not high ammonia levels. Hypoxia (C) is a condition of low oxygen levels, not directly related to high ammonia levels. Polyuria (D) is excessive urination, which is not a common sign of high ammonia levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increase weight. For a client at risk for nutritional problems, increasing weight is crucial to improve overall health and address potential malnutrition. This goal focuses on restoring and maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for proper functioning of the body and reducing the risk of various health issues. Promoting healthy nutritional practices (choice A) is important but may not address the immediate need for weight gain. Treating complications of malnutrition (choice C) is reactive rather than proactive. Increasing protein in the diet (choice D) is helpful but not comprehensive enough to address the overall nutritional needs of the client.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. This is the most important intervention for a client with an obstructed airway because it helps to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate oxygen supply to prevent hypoxia. Oxygen therapy can help maintain oxygen saturation levels and support proper gas exchange in the lungs. Monitoring respiratory rate (B) is important but not as critical as ensuring oxygen supply. Administering morphine (C) is contraindicated as it can depress respiratory function further. Administering fluids (D) is not the priority in managing an obstructed airway.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct action is to administer IV fluids when a client's blood pressure drops significantly. This helps increase blood volume and improve circulation, stabilizing the blood pressure. Administering pain medication (B) does not address the root cause of low blood pressure. Applying a heating pad (C) is not effective in treating low blood pressure. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (D) is important but not the immediate action needed to address a significant drop in blood pressure.

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.