Pediatric HESI 2024 Related

Review Pediatric HESI 2024 related questions and content

A 6-year-old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation. What is the priority nursing intervention?

  • A. Administering a bronchodilator
  • B. Administering an antihistamine
  • C. Administering a corticosteroid
  • D. Administering oxygen
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention for a child experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Bronchodilators help to dilate the airways, making breathing easier and relieving acute symptoms of asthma. Antihistamines are not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations; they are more commonly used for allergic reactions. Corticosteroids are beneficial in reducing inflammation in asthma but are usually administered after bronchodilators to provide long-term control. Oxygen therapy may be necessary in severe cases of asthma exacerbation, but bronchodilators take precedence in improving airway patency and respiratory distress.