Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a child who is experiencing an acute asthma attack.A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a child who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer first?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Albuterol. In an acute asthma attack, a short-acting beta agonist like Albuterol is administered first as a rescue medication to quickly dilate the airways and relieve bronchospasm, providing immediate relief. Albuterol acts quickly within minutes to open up the airways, making it the priority medication in managing acute asthma exacerbations. Montelukast (A) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term asthma control. Budesonide (B) and Fluticasone (D) are inhaled corticosteroids used for maintenance therapy to prevent asthma symptoms but are not for immediate relief in acute attacks.