A 22-year-old client who is being seen in the clinic for a possible asthma attack stops wheezing suddenly as the nurse is doing a lung assessment. Which one of the following nursing interventions is…

The correct answer is D. Establish a patent airway. (A) During impending respiratory failure or asthmatic complications, the client is placed in the high-Fowler position to facilitate comfort and promote optimal gas exchange. (B) Arterial blood gases are monitored in the treatment of respiratory failure during an asthma attack…

Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

Question

A 22-year-old client who is being seen in the clinic for a possible asthma attack stops wheezing suddenly as the nurse is doing a lung assessment. Which one of the following nursing interventions is most important?

Options

APlace the client in a supine position.
BDraw a blood sample for arterial blood gases.
CStart O2 at 4 L/min.
DEstablish a patent airway.

How the community answered

(48 responses)

A
8% (4)
B
4% (2)
C
17% (8)
D
71% (34)

Explanation

(A) During impending respiratory failure or asthmatic complications, the client is placed in the high-Fowler position to facilitate comfort and promote optimal gas exchange. (B) Arterial blood gases are monitored in the treatment of respiratory failure during an asthma attack, but it is not an initial intervention. (C) O2 therapy is used during an asthma attack, but it is not the initial intervention. The usual prescribed amount is a cautiously low flow rate of 1-2 L/min. (D) Wheezing is a characteristic clinical finding during an asthma attack. If wheezing suddenlyceases, it usually indicates a complete airway obstruction and requires immediate treatment for respiratory failure or arrest.

Topics

#asthma#airway management#emergency care#bronchospasm

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