A 30-year-old patient with a history of severe asthma arrives at the emergency department in respiratory distress despite using their prescribed rescue inhaler at home. The patient is dyspneic, unable to speak in full sentences, and has audible wheezing. After administering high-dose albuterol and IV corticosteroids, the nurse notes that the patient’s wheezing suddenly disappears, and breath sounds are now nearly absent. What is the priority nursing action?

Which of the following findings would indicate that a patient with status asthmaticus is deteriorating and requires immediate intervention?

A 12-year-old patient with a history of asthma is admitted to the emergency department with wheezing, shortness of breath, and use of accessory muscles. The nurse administers albuterol via nebulizer as prescribed. Which of the following findings indicate the treatment is effective?

A nurse is assessing a patient with heart failure who is exhibiting signs of decreased cardiac output. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect?

A nurse is monitoring a patient for signs of impending respiratory failure. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to worsening respiratory status?

A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to find during the assessment of the patient?

A 70-year-old patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is admitted to the ICU and placed on mechanical ventilation due to worsening hypoxemia. The patient is agitated, fighting the ventilator, and attempting to remove the endotracheal tube despite verbal reassurance. The nurse reviews the patient’s current ventilator settings and assessment findings: Mode: Assist-Control (AC) Tidal Volume: 450 mL Respiratory Rate: 18 breaths per minute FiO₂: 70% PEEP: 12 cm H₂O Blood pressure: 140/88 mmHg Heart rate: 115 bpm The provider orders medication therapy to optimize patient comfort and ventilator synchrony. Which medications should the nurse anticipate administering? Select all that apply

A nurse is preparing a patient for diagnostic testing following a suspected diagnosis of heart failure. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most commonly used to confirm heart failure and assess its severity?

A patient with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to the ICU with increasing dyspnea and confusion. The patient has a history of chronic hypercapnia. Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are as follows: pH: 7.32 PaCO₂: 68 mmHg PaO₂: 54 mmHg HCO₃: 30 mEq/L The nurse notes that the patient is receiving 100% oxygen via a non-rebreather mask. The nurse understands that this high level of oxygen may lead to which physiologic response?

A nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient when the ventilator alarm sounds, indicating high-pressure. Which of the following should the nurse assess first?