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 quickly, providing immediate relief by opening up the narrowed air passages in asthma. Antihistamines are not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations and may not address the underlying bronchoconstriction. Corticosteroids are important for long-term control of asthma but may take longer to have an effect compared to bronchodilators. Administering oxygen is essential for hypoxemia in asthma exacerbations, but the priority is to relieve bronchoconstriction promptly with a bronchodilator.