what medication should be given first to a patient experiencing wheezing and coughing due to an allergic reaction

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 2

1. What medication should be given first to a patient experiencing wheezing and coughing due to an allergic reaction?

A. Albuterol 3 ml via nebulizer
B. Cromolyn via nebulizer
C. Aminophylline IV
D. Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Albuterol 3 ml via nebulizer. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps relieve wheezing and coughing by opening up the airways, making it the first-line treatment for allergic reactions presenting with these symptoms. Cromolyn and aminophylline are not typically used as first-line treatments for acute allergic reactions with wheezing and coughing. Methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, may be beneficial for inflammation in the setting of an allergic reaction but is not the initial medication of choice to address wheezing and coughing.

2. What is the most likely cause of continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube?

A. An air leak
B. A blockage in the chest tube
C. Normal chest tube function
D. Drainage from the chest tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube usually indicates an air leak. An air leak can disrupt the negative pressure required for the chest tube to function properly, leading to inadequate drainage and potential complications. A blockage in the chest tube would typically result in decreased or absent drainage rather than continuous bubbling. Normal chest tube function does not involve continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. Drainage from the chest tube may lead to fluid moving into the drainage system, but it would not cause continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.

3. What should be monitored for in a patient with compartment syndrome?

A. Unrelieved pain, pallor, and pulselessness
B. Localized redness and swelling
C. Fever and infection
D. Muscle weakness and fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Unrelieved pain, pallor, and pulselessness are classic signs of compartment syndrome that indicate inadequate blood flow to the affected area. These symptoms are crucial to monitor as they signify a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical manifestations of compartment syndrome. Localized redness and swelling may be present but are not the primary indicators. Fever and infection are also not specific to compartment syndrome, and muscle weakness and fatigue are not typically prominent symptoms of this condition.

4. What is the first intervention for a patient admitted with unstable angina?

A. Administer nitroglycerin
B. Obtain cardiac enzymes
C. Start IV fluids
D. Monitor for chest pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first intervention for a patient admitted with unstable angina is to administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin helps to relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart, thereby reducing cardiac workload. This intervention aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent further cardiac damage. Obtaining cardiac enzymes (Choice B) is important for diagnosing a myocardial infarction but is not the initial intervention for unstable angina. Starting IV fluids (Choice C) may be indicated in specific cases like hypovolemia but is not the primary intervention for unstable angina. Monitoring for chest pain (Choice D) is essential but taking action to alleviate the pain, like administering nitroglycerin, is the primary focus in the initial management of unstable angina.

5. What intervention is required when continuous bubbling is seen in the chest tube water seal chamber?

A. Tighten the connections of the chest tube system
B. Clamp the chest tube
C. Replace the chest tube
D. Continue monitoring the chest tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When continuous bubbling is observed in the chest tube water seal chamber, tightening the connections of the chest tube system is the appropriate intervention. This action can often resolve an air leak, which is the common cause of continuous bubbling. Clamping the chest tube or replacing it is not recommended as the first-line intervention because it may lead to complications or unnecessary tube changes. Continuing to monitor the chest tube without addressing the air leak would delay necessary corrective action, potentially causing respiratory compromise in the patient. Therefore, tightening the connections of the chest tube system is the most suitable initial step to manage continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.