Author Question: A patient is brought to the emergency department with severe wheezing, dyspnea, and peripheral ... (Read 55 times)

jjjetplane · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is brought to the emergency department with severe wheezing, dyspnea, and peripheral edema.

The nurse assesses a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute, a heart rate of 88 beats per minute, and a blood pressure of 88/54 mm Hg. Which medication does the nurse expect to be given initially?
a. Albuterol
b. Diphenhydramine
c. Dopamine
d. Epinephrine

Question 2

During resuscitation of a 5-year-old child, the provider requests an intravenous dose of 1 mL of epinephrine to be given STAT. The nurse will perform which action?

a. Ask the provider to clarify the dose and the concentration.
b. Draw up the dose and give it as a rapid intravenous bolus.
c. Give the dose as a slow intravenous bolus and monitor vital signs.
d. Request an order to give the dose via endotracheal tube.

Cnarkel · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The patient has signs of anaphylactic shock, and the first medication given will be epinephrine because it treats both bronchoconstriction and hypotension. Albuterol may be given later to help with respiratory distress. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine to treat tissue-induced swelling. Dopamine will be given if hypotension persists.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Epinephrine is available in two primary concentrations: 1:1,000 and 1: 10,000 mL. The 1:10,000 concentration is used when giving a single IV dose of epinephrine. The 1:1,000 concentration is used for other routes. The nurse should clarify the dose and the concentration.