Gas Exchange
5.15 Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making Learning Activities
Lightbulb Moment
Let’s apply what you have learned in the respiratory unit.
Asthma Scenario
An adult patient presents to the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath and increased difficulty breathing. The patient is alert and oriented times 3, skin is pink, warm and dry, BP 148/88, T 98, P92, R 24, pulse oximetry 91% on room air. Assessment of the lung reveals expiratory wheezing throughout the lung fields. The patient has a medical history of asthma, hypertension, and diabetes.
- The nurse anticipates which of the following medications will be initially administered to the patient?
a) Theophylline
b) Montelukast
c) Albuterol
d) Salmeterol
2. List the steps the nurse should take to safely administer the medication.
3. What assessments should the nurse plan to complete after administering the medication?
4. The nurse plans on teaching the client about using the albuterol inhaler at home. What information should be included?
5. What is the best method for the nurse to use to ensure that the client is correctly using an inhaler?
Allergy Scenario
A pediatric client presents to the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath, increased difficulty breathing, and a cough. The client is alert and oriented times 3, skin is pink, warm and dry, BP 112/68, T 99, P106, R 32, pulse oximetry 90% on room air. Assessment of the lung sounds reveals diminished lung sounds throughout all lung fields. The client has a medical history of peanut allergy. The client’s mother tells you that they were at a birthday party and after the client consumed a cupcake, the symptoms started.
6. The nurse anticipates that which of the following medication likely will be ordered for this client?
a. Diphenhydramine
b. Epinephrine
c. Cetirizine
d. Guaifenesin
Note: Answers can be found in the “Answer Key” sections at the end of the book.