Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
The home care nurse is observing the child with asthma self-administer a dose of albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer. Within a short time, the child begins to wheeze loudly. What should the nurse do?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
A: Reassuring the parent is an inappropriate action; the wheezing is not a normal reaction. There is no indication that this is an initial dose. B: The client's wheezing suggests paradoxical bronchospasms, which can occur with excessive use of adrenergic bronchodilators such as albuterol (Proventil). The medication should be withheld and the HCP notified. C: A paradoxical bronchospasm can occur from excessive use, so the dosage should not be increased. D: Contact with the eyes can cause eye irritation, not wheezing.