💊 NCLEX-RN Exam Prep

A client with a history of asthma presents to the clinic complaining of sudden shortness of breath, wheezing, and a dry cough. The nurse notes the client is tachypneic and using accessory muscles. What is the priority nursing intervention?

A Administer an oral corticosteroid
B Initiate continuous pulse oximetry monitoring
C Administer a prescribed short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) via nebulizer
D Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

For an acute asthma exacerbation, the priority is to open the airways. A short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) provides rapid bronchodilation, relieving bronchospasm and improving airflow. Other actions follow stabilization.

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