Practice Question
The ED nurse is assessing a patient complaining of dyspnea. The nurse auscultates the patient's chest and hears wheezing throughout the lung fields. The nurse would anticipate what type of order from the doctor?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
An order for a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil)
Rationale:
🟢 Wheezing results from airway narrowing, typically due to bronchospasm, making bronchodilators the priority intervention.
🟢 Albuterol works by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, which immediately improves airflow and reduces wheezing.
🟢 This intervention targets the underlying cause of the patient’s dyspnea, restoring ventilation.
🟢 Bronchodilators provide rapid relief during asthma, COPD exacerbation, and allergic airway reactions.
🟢 Therefore, this order is clinically appropriate and expected.
An order for an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin
🟢 Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not bronchospasm, and have no immediate effect on airway narrowing.
🟢 Wheezing does not automatically indicate infection; it is typically caused by inflammation or constriction.
🟢 Using antibiotics without indication contributes to antibiotic resistance, making this choice unsafe.
🟢 Antibiotics take time to work and do not relieve acute respiratory symptoms.
🟢 Therefore, this option is not the immediate intervention the patient needs.
An order to ambulate the patient 3 times a day
🟢 Ambulation helps with airway clearance, but it does not relieve acute wheezing or bronchoconstriction.
🟢 Forcing movement during respiratory distress could worsen dyspnea and oxygenation.
🟢 This intervention is supportive but not appropriate during active bronchospasm.
🟢 Airway opening must occur before activity is encouraged.
🟢 Therefore, ambulation is not the priority.
An order for a fluid restriction to 800 mL/day
🟢 Fluid restriction is used for conditions like heart failure or SIADH, not wheezing.
🟢 It does nothing to improve airflow or relieve bronchospasm.
🟢 The patient's symptoms are respiratory, not fluid overload-related.
🟢 Restricting fluids may worsen hydration and mucus viscosity.
🟢 Therefore, this intervention is completely inappropriate.
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This question is from SDAP FALL 25 EXAM2 which contains 34 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4