The emergency department nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of ...

[jake]

The emergency department nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of therapy for a patient who has received treatment during an asthma attack. Which assessment finding is the best indicator that the therapy has been effective?
 
  a. No wheezes are audible.
  b. Oxygen saturation is >90.
  c. Accessory muscle use has decreased.
  d. Respiratory rate is 16 breaths/minute.

Question 2

Which information will the nurse include in the asthma teaching plan for a patient being discharged?
 
  a. Use the inhaled corticosteroid when shortness of breath occurs.
  b. Inhale slowly and deeply when using the dry powder inhaler (DPI).
  c. Hold your breath for 5 seconds after using the bronchodilator inhaler.
  d. Tremors are an expected side effect of rapidly acting bronchodilators.

[dominiqueenicolee]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The goal for treatment of an asthma attack is to keep the oxygen saturation >90. The other patient data may occur when the patient is too fatigued to continue with the increased work of breathing required in an asthma attack.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Tremors are a common side effect of short-acting 2-adrenergic (SABA) medications and not a reason to avoid using the SABA inhaler. Inhaled corticosteroids do not act rapidly to reduce dyspnea. Rapid inhalation is needed when using a DPI. The patient should hold the breath for 10 seconds after using inhalers.