A patient with acute asthma has wheezing, severe dyspnea and difficulty speaking. Which nursing action is the priority?

Correct answer: A. Place the patient in a high-Fowler position and administer prescribed oxygen

  • A. Place the patient in a high-Fowler position and administer prescribed oxygen
  • B. Encourage the patient to lie flat and rest quietly
  • C. Offer oral fluids before giving respiratory medicines
  • D. Begin chest percussion over the affected lung area

Explanation

High-Fowler positioning improves lung expansion, while prescribed oxygen supports breathing during the acute attack. Lying flat can worsen ventilation, and fluids or chest percussion do not treat the immediate airway narrowing.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Respiratory Nursing

Covers nursing assessment and management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleural disorders and respiratory failure. Key areas include breath sounds, oxygen therapy, airway suctioning, inhaled medicines, arterial blood gases and the difference between hypoxia, hypoxemia and carbon dioxide retention.

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