a client with asthma is experiencing a severe exacerbation what is the nurses priority
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Adult Health 1 Final Exam

1. During a severe asthma exacerbation in a client, what is the nurse's priority?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a severe asthma exacerbation, the nurse's priority is to administer a rescue inhaler immediately. This action helps open the airways and improve breathing, which is crucial in managing the exacerbation. Choice B, preparing for intubation, would be considered if the client's condition deteriorates and they are unable to maintain adequate oxygenation even after using the rescue inhaler. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice C) may not be appropriate during a severe exacerbation as the client may struggle to breathe. While monitoring oxygen saturation levels (Choice D) is important, the immediate administration of a rescue inhaler takes precedence to address the acute breathing difficulty.

2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving home oxygen therapy. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do not smoke while using oxygen.' Smoking while using oxygen can lead to a serious fire hazard, as oxygen supports combustion. This instruction is crucial to prevent potential harm to the client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Using oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated can be harmful, avoiding wearing oxygen during physical activity may limit the client's mobility unnecessarily, and storing oxygen tanks in a cool, dark place, although important, is not as critical as the instruction to avoid smoking while using oxygen.

3. The healthcare provider prescribes erythromycin (Ilosone) 300 mg PO QID. The medication label reads, 'Ilosone 100mg/5mL.' How many mL should the nurse administer at each dose?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To determine the volume of medication needed for a 300 mg dose of Ilosone (100mg/5mL), we set up a proportion: 100 mg is to 5 mL as 300 mg is to x mL. Cross-multiplying, we get x = (300*5)/100 = 15 mL. Therefore, the nurse should administer 15 mL at each dose. Choice B (10 mL) is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct calculation based on the medication concentration. Choices C (20 mL) and D (5 mL) are also incorrect as they do not accurately calculate the volume required for the prescribed dose.

4. After placement of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC), the nurse receives a report of the X-ray findings indicating that the CVC tip is in the client's superior vena cava. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Initiating intravenous fluids as prescribed is the appropriate action when the CVC tip is correctly placed in the superior vena cava. Intravenous fluids can now be administered effectively through the central line. Removing the catheter and applying direct pressure is unnecessary and not indicated as the tip is in the correct position. Securing the catheter using aseptic technique is important for preventing infections but is not the immediate action needed in this situation. Notifying the healthcare provider of the need to reposition the catheter may delay necessary fluid administration, which is the priority at this time.

5. The nurse is assessing a client with cirrhosis who has developed ascites. What is the most important intervention to include in the care plan?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer diuretics as prescribed. Diuretics are often prescribed to help manage fluid accumulation in ascites, which is a common complication of cirrhosis. Restricting sodium intake (Choice A) is essential in managing ascites, but administering diuretics takes precedence in the care plan. Encouraging high-protein meals (Choice B) and increasing fluid intake (Choice C) are not the primary interventions for managing ascites in cirrhosis.

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