Final answer:
The first intervention for an 8-year-old with asthma in the emergency department is to raise the head of the bed. This can assist in easier breathing by increasing lung volume. Subsequent interventions may include administering fast-acting asthma medications and further assessments.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an 8-year-old with asthma is brought to the emergency department with wheezing and shortness of breath, the first intervention the nurse should implement is to raise the head of the bed. This position can help facilitate breathing by increasing lung volume and decreasing the work of breathing. Subsequent interventions, such as administering fast-acting asthma medications like albuterol via an inhaler or a nebulizer, starting an intravenous line, or performing a peak flow meter test, may be necessary depending on the child's response and the severity of the asthma attack.
Factors such as the severity of the condition, frequency of attacks, and identified triggers influence the type of medication that an individual may require. For immediate treatment of symptoms during an asthma attack, fast-acting drugs are typically used and are administered via an inhaler or for those that cannot use an inhaler effectively, through a nebulizer. It is essential to address the acute symptoms to prevent the attack from worsening before any further diagnostic or treatment steps are taken.