Question

A client is admitted with a severe asthma attack. For the last three hours the client has experienced increasing shortness of breath. Arterial blood gas results are: ph 7.22; paco2 55mmhg; HCO3 25 meq/L (25 mmol/L). Which intervention should the nurse implement?

a. Space care to provide periods of rest
b. Instruct client to purse lip breathe
c. Position client for maximum comfort
d. Administer PRN dose of albuterol

Answer 1

The nurse should administer a PRN dose of albuterol to a client admitted with a severe asthma attack.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, the client is admitted with a severe asthma attack, experiencing increasing shortness of breath for the last three hours. The arterial blood gas results indicate a pH of 7.22, pCO2 of 55 mmHg, and HCO3 of 25 meq/L (25 mmol/L). Based on these findings, the most appropriate intervention for the nurse to implement is to administer a PRN dose of albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator medication commonly used in the treatment of asthma to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow.