A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing status asthmaticus. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to take?
Explanation & Rationale
The correct answer is Choice C.Choice A rationaleAdministering an inhaled glucocorticoid can help reduce inflammation in the airways, but it is not the priority intervention in an acute asthma exacerbation. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilation.Choice B rationaleObtaining a peak flow reading can help assess the severity of the asthma exacerbation, but it is not the priority intervention. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilation.Choice C rationaleAdministering a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) is the priority intervention. SABAs, such as albuterol, provide rapid bronchodilation and relieve bronchospasm, which are the main features of status asthmaticus.Choice D rationaleDetermining the cause of the acute exacerbation can help guide long-term management, but it is not the priority intervention in an acute asthma exacerbation. The primary concern is to provide rapid bronchodilation.