what is the priority nursing action for a patient with an acute asthma attack
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1. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with an acute asthma attack?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a bronchodilator. During an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators are the first-line treatment for asthma attacks as they help dilate the bronchioles, allowing for better airflow. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but not the priority when the patient is in distress. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position can help with breathing but is not the initial priority. Calling for assistance can be done after initiating the appropriate treatment.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia, as the sodium imbalance affects muscle function. Numbness of the extremities (Choice A) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice C) is not typically a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. Positive Chvostek's sign (Choice D) is related to hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.

3. A nurse is planning care for a preschool-age child who is in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring cardiac status is crucial during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease because of the potential for coronary artery complications. Acetaminophen may be used for fever management but is not the priority intervention. Antibiotics are not indicated as Kawasaki disease is not caused by a bacterial infection. Providing stimulation in the playroom is important for the child's emotional well-being but does not address the immediate physiological concern of cardiac monitoring.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent atelectasis?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer an incentive spirometer. Using an incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis by encouraging lung expansion after surgery. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (choice A) is beneficial but may not be as effective as an incentive spirometer. Encouraging the client to cough (choice B) helps with airway clearance but does not directly prevent atelectasis. Assisting the client to ambulate (choice D) is important for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the most effective intervention for preventing atelectasis.

5. A nurse is performing postmortem care for a client prior to the arrival of the client's family for viewing of the body. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take is to gently close the client's eyelids. This is a respectful and common practice in postmortem care before allowing the family to view the body. Applying moisturizing lotion to the skin is unnecessary and may not be appropriate at this time. Turning off the lights might not be necessary and could impact the viewing environment for the family. While removing all jewelry is generally a good practice, it is not as crucial as gently closing the client's eyelids for postmortem care.

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