Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What should the nurse monitor for after administering asthma medication in a pediatric patient?

1. Decreased heart rate.

2. Increased respiratory rate.

3. Increased drowsiness.

4. Elevated blood pressure.

The correct answer is: Increased respiratory rate.

Monitoring for increased respiratory rate after administering asthma medication in a pediatric patient is crucial as it provides immediate feedback regarding the effectiveness of the treatment. Asthma medications, including bronchodilators, aim to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow, which should lead to an improvement in respiratory function. An increased respiratory rate could indicate enhanced respiratory effort, especially if the child is compensating for underlying respiratory distress or if the medication is successfully opening airways. A decreased heart rate is not typically expected after asthma medication administration, as many of these medications can actually stimulate the heart, leading to an increased rather than decreased heart rate. Increased drowsiness could indicate a negative reaction or a sedative effect from a medication, which is not the primary goal of asthma management. Similarly, elevated blood pressure may occur with certain asthma medications, particularly those that are stimulants; however, it is not the most direct measure of asthma treatment response compared to observing respiratory patterns. Monitoring respiratory rate allows the nurse to assess the child's immediate response to therapy and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.