Question

a client is being seen in the emergency department for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd). the first action of the nurse is to administer which of the following prescribed treatments? oxygen through nasal cannula at 2 l/minute ipratropium bromide (alupent) by metered - dose inhaler intravenous methylprednisolone (solu - medrol) 120 mg vancomycin 1 gram intravenously over 1 hour

Explanation:

For a client with exacerbation of COPD, the priority is to improve oxygenation. Oxygen administration via nasal cannula at 2 L/minute addresses the immediate need for oxygen supplementation, which is crucial in COPD exacerbation to relieve hypoxemia. Ipratropium bromide is a bronchodilator but addressing oxygenation is more immediate. Methylprednisolone is for reducing inflammation but not the first action, and vancomycin is an antibiotic for infection (if present) and not the initial priority.

Answer:

A. Oxygen through nasal cannula at 2 L/minute