What is the priority nursing action for a client with asthma who requested a breathing treatment during the previous shift?

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The priority nursing action for a client with asthma who requested a breathing treatment pertains to assessing the current status and needs of the patient. In this scenario, the most appropriate choice involves first assessing the client's condition, specifically their lung sounds.

Understanding the client's respiratory status is crucial before administering any treatments. By assessing lung sounds for wheezing, the nurse can determine the severity of the asthma exacerbation. This evaluation helps to decide whether the requested breathing treatment is appropriate or if immediate interventions are necessary, such as oxygen supplementation or a different type of medication.

Monitoring pulse oximetry for oxygen saturation is also important, but it typically follows an assessment of lung sounds as part of a broader evaluation. While knowing the patient’s history of asthma attacks can provide some context, it does not address the immediate need to assess the current state of the client’s breathing.

In summary, assessing lung sounds is the priority nursing action because it directly informs the treatment plan and ensures that the client receives appropriate and effective care based on their current respiratory condition.

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