what is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam RN

1. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer bronchodilators. In an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways and improve airflow. Bronchodilators like albuterol are crucial in providing immediate relief to the patient. Monitoring oxygen saturation (choice B) is important but administering bronchodilators takes precedence in managing the acute attack. Providing supplemental oxygen (choice C) may be necessary but addressing the airway obstruction with bronchodilators is the priority. Starting IV fluids (choice D) is not the priority in an acute asthma attack unless specifically indicated for other reasons such as dehydration.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer ceftriaxone IM to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: When administering intramuscular injections like ceftriaxone, it is essential to aspirate for blood return before injecting the medication to ensure that the needle is not in a blood vessel. Choices A and B are incorrect because ceftriaxone is typically administered using a syringe appropriate for IM injections (not a tuberculin syringe) and injected at a 90-degree angle rather than 45 degrees. Choice C is incorrect because the dorsogluteal site is no longer recommended for IM injections due to potential injury to the sciatic nerve and other structures.

3. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client with Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention the nurse should include in the care plan for a client with Alzheimer's disease is to provide reality orientation throughout the day. Reality orientation involves helping clients with Alzheimer's disease stay connected to the present, reducing confusion and disorientation. This intervention can help the client maintain a sense of time, place, and person. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because limiting choices may lead to frustration, group therapy may not always be suitable for clients with Alzheimer's disease, and sensory stimulation activities may not address the core issue of disorientation in Alzheimer's disease.

4. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 12 hours old. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL is below the normal range for a newborn and indicates hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider immediately. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges for a newborn and do not require immediate reporting. A heart rate of 140/min, a bulging anterior fontanel, and a respiratory rate of 50/min are all common findings in a newborn and do not raise immediate concerns.

5. A client with asthma asks how to use a peak flow meter. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to perform the peak flow test before using any bronchodilators. This is important because it provides the most accurate baseline measurement of lung function. Choice A is not necessarily crucial for the accuracy of the test. Choice B describes the technique for spirometry, not peak flow meter use. Choice C, while important for tracking trends, is not directly related to the accuracy of the initial measurement.

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