HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Related

Review HESI Pediatric Practice Exam related questions and content

A 7-year-old child with a history of asthma presents to the clinic with shortness of breath and wheezing. The nurse notes that the child's peak flow reading is in the red zone. What should the nurse do first?

  • A. Administer a bronchodilator
  • B. Reassess the peak flow reading
  • C. Notify the healthcare provider
  • D. Provide oxygen therapy
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a child with asthma presents with shortness of breath and wheezing, and the peak flow reading is in the red zone, indicating severe airflow limitation, the priority intervention is to administer a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators help dilate the airways quickly, improving airflow and assisting with breathing. Reassessing the peak flow reading, notifying the healthcare provider, and providing oxygen therapy may be necessary actions but administering a bronchodilator takes precedence in managing acute asthma exacerbation.