Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What should a nurse advise a parent about managing a child's asthma?

1. Avoiding all internal allergens.

2. Monitoring peak flow readings regularly.

3. Using medication only during asthma attacks.

4. Stopping activity during a mild attack.

The correct answer is: Monitoring peak flow readings regularly.

Monitoring peak flow readings regularly is a vital aspect of managing a child's asthma. By tracking peak flow measurements, parents can gain critical insights into how well their child's lungs are functioning. This information allows them to identify patterns and detect early signs of worsening asthma, enabling timely interventions before an asthma exacerbation occurs. The process of consistently monitoring these readings helps establish a baseline for the child’s lung function, making it easier to recognize when their asthma is not well-controlled. This practice can lead to more personalized and effective management strategies, ensuring the child maintains a better quality of life and minimizes the risk of severe asthma attacks. In contrast, while avoiding internal allergens is important for minimizing exposure, it is often not feasible to eliminate all allergens completely. Using medication only during asthma attacks can be dangerous, as it may not address underlying inflammation that leads to asthma symptoms. Additionally, stopping activity during a mild asthma attack may not be necessary; encouraging light activity as tolerated can be beneficial, as it helps to keep the child physically active and can sometimes aid in symptom relief.