Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
School-age client with asthma, PEFR at 45% of personal best.A school-age client with asthma has been monitoring their daily peak expiratory flow rates(PEFR). The client's mother calls the clinic to report that the PEFR was at 45% of their personal best. Which guidance should the nurse provide to the mother?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Have your child use their inhaled corticosteroid and follow it with albuterol. This guidance is appropriate because a PEFR of 45% of personal best indicates a significant decrease in lung function. Using an inhaled corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation in the airways, while albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps open up the airways for immediate relief. This combination helps manage acute exacerbations of asthma.
Choice A is incorrect because hospitalization is not warranted based solely on a PEFR reading of 45%. Choice C is incorrect as salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator and not suitable for immediate relief during an asthma exacerbation. Choice D is incorrect as waiting for the PEFR to drop below 40% before taking action may lead to a worsening condition.
Choice A is incorrect because hospitalization is not warranted based solely on a PEFR reading of 45%. Choice C is incorrect as salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator and not suitable for immediate relief during an asthma exacerbation. Choice D is incorrect as waiting for the PEFR to drop below 40% before taking action may lead to a worsening condition.