Question

The school nurse assesses an 8-year-old with a history of asthma. The nurse notes mild wheezing and coughing. Which action should the nurse perform first?

Answer 1

The nurse should first administer a fast-acting asthma medication delivered through an inhaler to manage the symptoms of mild wheezing and coughing in the student.

Step-by-step explanation:

The school nurse has assessed an 8-year-old student with a history of asthma, noting mild wheezing and coughing. When managing asthma symptoms, the first action the nurse should perform is to ensure the student can breathe effectively. This often involves administering a short-term, fast-acting asthma medication, typically delivered through an inhaler. These medications quickly open the airways, relieving symptoms such as wheezing and coughing. It's crucial for the nurse to monitor the child's response to the medication and to prepare for further medical intervention if there is no improvement in the child's breathing or if symptoms escalate.