Which assessment finding in a patient who has received omalizumab ...

[lak]

Which assessment finding in a patient who has received omalizumab (Xolair) is most important to report immediately to the health care provider?
 
  a. Pain at injection site
  b. Flushing and dizziness
  c. Peak flow reading 75 of normal
  d. Respiratory rate 22 breaths/minute

Question 2

A patient who is experiencing an acute asthma attack is admitted to the emergency department. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
 
  a. Listen to the patient's breath sounds.
  b. Ask about inhaled corticosteroid use.
  c. Determine when the dyspnea started.
  d. Obtain the forced expiratory volume (FEV) flow rate.

[frejo]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Flushing and dizziness may indicate that the patient is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, and immediate intervention is needed. The other information should also be reported, but do not indicate possibly life-threatening complications of omalizumab therapy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Assessment of the patient's breath sounds will help determine how effectively the patient is ventilating and whether rapid intubation may be necessary. The length of time the attack has persisted is not as important as determining the patient's status at present. Most patients having an acute attack will be unable to cooperate with an FEV measurement. It is important to know about the medications the patient is using but not as important as assessing the breath sounds.