A School­age Child Who Uses a SABA and an Inhaled

question 8

Multiple Choice

A school­age child who uses a SABA and an inhaled corticosteroid medication is
seen in the clinic for an acute asthma exacerbation. After 4 puffs of an inhaled short­acting B2­ agonist (SABA) every 20 minutes for three treatments, spirometry testing shows an FEV1 of 60% of the child's personal best. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner do next?

• A) Administer an oral corticosteroid and repeat the three treatments of the inhaled SABA.
• B) Admit the child to the hospital for every 2 hour inhaled SABA and intravenous steroids.
• C) Give the child 2 mg/kg of an oral corticosteroid and have the child taken to the emergency department.
• D) Order an oral corticosteroid, continue the SABA every 3 to 4 hours, and follow closely.

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Definitions:

Pharyngeal Tonsils

Two masses of lymphatic tissue located above the palatine tonsils; also called adenoids.

Nasopharynx

The portion of the pharynx behind the nasal cavity.

Palatine Tonsils

Two masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the throat.

Digestive System

The system of organs responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste from the body.