An adult patient is admitted for an asthma attack. Which ...

[EAugust]

An adult patient is admitted for an asthma attack. Which assessment obtained by the nurse would support that albuterol (Proventil) was effective?
 
  a. Decrease in wheezing present on auscultation
  b. Less dyspnea while positioned in a high Fowler's position
  c. Sputum production is clear and watery
  d. Respiratory rate decreased to 38 breaths/min

Question 2

Within minutes of the initiation of a nebulizer treatment with a sympathomimetic bronchodilator, the patient turns on his call light and states that he feels panicky and his heart is racing. Which action will the nurse take?
 
  a. Reassure the patient this is expected.
  b. Add more diluents to the nebulizer.
  c. Administer a sedative.
  d. Stop treatment and notify the health care provider.

[Andromeda18]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
A bronchodilator would open the airways and result in a reduction of wheezing. Less dyspnea while positioned in a high Fowler's position, clear and watery sputum, and a respiratory rate decreased to 38 breaths/min would not indicate that the medication was effective.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Sympathomimetic drugs increase sympathetic nervous stimulation. Symptoms such as nervousness, palpitations, tremors, tachycardia, and anxiety typically are dose related. These symptoms should be reported to the health care provider immediately because the patient may require a decreased dosage. These symptoms could lead to further complications if allowed to persist and are not common adverse effects. Although this may be a common result, it is not an expected outcome. Diluting the medication would not decrease the dose. Although a sedative might be appropriate for the patient, this is not the intervention of choice.

[EAugust]

Excellent

[tuate]

TYSM