A 6-year-old child is in the hospital for status asthmaticus.Nursing care during this acute period includes which prescribed interventions?
A) Prednisolone (Pediapred) PO every day, IV fluids, cromolyn (Intal) inhaler bid
B) Salmeterol (Serevent) PO bid, vital signs every 4 hours, spot check pulse oximetry
C) Triamcinolone (Azmacort) inhaler bid, continuous pulse oximetry, vital signs once a shift
D) Methylprednisolone (Solumedrol) IV every 12 hours, continuous pulse oximetry, albuterol nebulizer treatments every 4 hours and prn

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child in status asthmaticus should be placed on continuous cardiorespiratory (including blood pressure)and pulse oximetry monitoring.A systemic corticosteroid (oral,IV,or IM)may also be given to decrease the effects of inflammation.Inhaled aerosolized short-acting b2-agonists are recommended for all patients.Therefore,Solumedrol per IV,continuous pulse oximetry,and albuterol nebulizer treatments are the expected prescribed treatments.Oral medications would not be used during the acute stage of status asthmaticus.Vital signs once a shift and spot pulse oximetry checks would not be often enough.

A 6-Year-Old Child Is in the Hospital for Status Asthmaticus