Question

A child has just received a dose of theophylline I.V. for asthma. What assessment finding should the nurse expect?

1. Increased coughing because of postnasal drip
2. Decreased pulmonary wheezing
3. Stridor
4. White blood cell count of 12,000/μl

Answer 1

Post-theophylline administration, a nurse should expect decreased pulmonary wheezing, as theophylline is a bronchodilator aimed at relieving asthma symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a child receives a dose of theophylline I.V. for asthma, the nurse should expect to see a decrease in pulmonary wheezing. Theophylline is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing muscles in the lungs and chest, making it easier to breathe and alleviating symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath associated with asthma. It does not typically cause an increase in coughing due to postnasal drip, lead to stridor, or directly affect white blood cell counts.