what is the priority nursing action for a patient with an acute asthma attack
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor

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 maintaining droplet precautions for a client who has meningitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when maintaining droplet precautions for a client with meningitis is to wear a surgical mask within 3 feet of the client. This is essential to prevent the transmission of meningitis via respiratory droplets. Choice A is incorrect because wearing a gown is not specifically required for droplet precautions. Choice B suggests maintaining a distance of 6 feet, which is more applicable to airborne precautions, not droplet precautions. Choice D is incorrect as gloves should be removed and disposed of properly, but it is not related to droplet precautions specifically.

3. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with hyperkalemia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When assessing a patient with hyperkalemia, monitoring the ECG and administering insulin are crucial steps. Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any cardiac abnormalities associated with high potassium levels. Administering insulin, along with glucose, helps shift potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, temporarily lowering the potassium levels. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring blood glucose levels and providing fluids are not the primary interventions for hyperkalemia. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for muscle weakness and administering calcium gluconate are not the first-line treatments for hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate may be used in specific situations to stabilize cardiac cell membranes in severe cases of hyperkalemia. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring electrolyte levels and providing potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia, as the patient already has elevated potassium levels and does not require additional potassium supplementation.

4. A client is having difficulty voiding after removal of an indwelling urinary catheter. What should the nurse do?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to pour warm water over the client's perineum. This action helps stimulate voiding post-catheterization by promoting relaxation and providing sensory input. Assessing for bladder distention after 6 hours (Choice A) is important but not the immediate intervention needed for difficulty voiding. Encouraging the client to use a bedpan in the supine position (Choice B) may not effectively address the issue of post-catheterization voiding difficulty. Restricting the client's intake of oral fluids (Choice C) is not appropriate and can lead to dehydration, which is not helpful in promoting voiding.

5. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV fluids. Which of the following should the nurse do upon noticing phlebitis at the IV site?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Upon noticing phlebitis at the IV site, the nurse should remove the IV catheter and restart it in another location. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, and leaving the IV catheter in place can lead to further complications such as infection. Applying a cold compress (Choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Notifying the provider immediately (Choice B) is important, but the immediate action to prevent complications is to remove the IV catheter. Monitoring the site for signs of infection (Choice D) is necessary, but the priority action is to remove and reinsert the IV catheter to prevent worsening of the phlebitis.

Similar Questions

During a home visit to an elderly client with mild dementia, the client's daughter reports that she has one major problem with her mother. She says, 'She sleeps most of the day and is up most of the night. I can't get a decent night's sleep anymore.' Which suggestions should the nurse make to the daughter?
A client has undergone a bronchoscopy, and a nurse is providing care post-procedure. What should the nurse do first?
A nurse is caring for a client who is being discharged home following a cerebrovascular accident. Which of the following documents should the nurse plan to include with the discharge report?
A client is receiving IV fluids and has developed phlebitis. What is the next step the nurse should take?
A client with IV fluids has developed redness and warmth at the IV site. What is the next step the nurse should take?

Access More Features

ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses