Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 78%
Simulated
A 34-year-old female with a history of asthma is admitted to the emergency department. The nurse notes that the client is dyspneic, with a respiratory rate of 35 breaths/minute, nasal flaring, and use of accessory muscles. The nurse should first:
Correct answer
B
Rationale
In an acute asthma attack with severe dyspnea, initiating oxygen therapy corrects hypoxemia, a priority. Bronchodilators are critical but secondary to oxygenation. I.V. fluids and breathing techniques are supportive but not immediate priorities.