Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Before administering levalbuterol via nebulizer, what should the nurse assess?

1. Peak flow reading

2. Lung sounds

3. ABGs

4. Inspiratory reserve volume

The correct answer is: Lung sounds

Before administering levalbuterol via nebulizer, assessing lung sounds is crucial. This assessment provides immediate insight into the patient’s respiratory status, allowing the nurse to determine the presence of wheezing, stridor, or other abnormal sounds that indicate airway obstruction or bronchospasm. Establishing a baseline of lung sounds is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the medication after administration. Monitoring lung sounds helps identify whether the patient may need additional interventions or a different therapeutic approach, especially in cases where severe wheezing or diminished breath sounds are noted, signaling a potential deterioration in the patient's respiratory condition. In this context, lung sounds are pivotal in guiding immediate care decisions and evaluating the response to the bronchodilator therapy. Other assessments, while important, are not as immediately relevant right before administering this specific medication. For example, peak flow readings are useful for tracking asthma control but may not provide real-time information about the patient's current state. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements, although critical for assessing respiratory function, are not typically conducted just prior to nebulizer therapy unless there is a suspicion of severe respiratory compromise. Inspiratory reserve volume is more pertinent in different clinical assessments rather than in the context of direct medication administration. Thus, lung sounds are the most directly