A client with emphysema is reporting difficulty in breathing and exhibiting audible wheezing. The nurse administers albuterol as prescribed for the third time within the last 12 hours. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Irregular rapid heart rate.
Uncontrollable shaking.
Increased anxiety.
Throat irritation.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Irregular rapid heart rate (tachycardia) is a serious side effect of albuterol and warrants immediate intervention. Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that can cause stimulation of beta-1 receptors in the heart, leading to tachycardia and potential arrhythmias.
Choice B rationale
Uncontrollable shaking (tremors) is a common side effect of albuterol due to its stimulation of beta-2 receptors in skeletal muscles. While uncomfortable, it is not typically life-threatening.
Choice C rationale
Increased anxiety can occur with albuterol use due to its stimulant effects on the central nervous system. However, it is not as immediately dangerous as tachycardia.
Choice D rationale
Throat irritation is a minor side effect of albuterol and does not require immediate intervention.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ipratropium is a bronchodilator used to treat respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. It does not have significant interactions with the medications prescribed for H. pylori treatment, so it is not a priority to review in this context.
Choice B rationale
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers, especially when combined with other medications that affect the stomach lining, such as bismuth subsalicylate and tetracycline. Reviewing the client’s use of aspirin is important to prevent potential adverse effects and complications.
Choice C rationale
Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid production. While it is relevant to gastrointestinal health, it does not have significant interactions with the H. pylori treatment regimen. Therefore, it is not a priority to review in this context.
Choice D rationale
Loperamide is an antidiarrheal medication used to manage diarrhea. It does not have significant interactions with the medications prescribed for H. pylori treatment, so it is not a priority to review in this context.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Suctioning to clear secretions from the airway is the first intervention to implement. The client’s weak cough effort and use of accessory muscles to breathe suggest the presence of retained respiratory secretions, which can impair breathing and lead to further respiratory compromise.
Choice B rationale
Offering a prescribed PRN analgesic is important for overall comfort but is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining arterial blood gases may provide valuable information but is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
Administering a prescribed antipyretic is not the most immediate intervention needed to address the client’s respiratory distress.