Pharmacology - Prep U - Chapter 55
A nurse is providing health education to a client recently diagnosed with asthma and prescribed albuterol and ipratropium. Which of the client's statements suggests a need for clarification by the nurse?
"I'll keep taking my medications until I'm not experiencing any more symptoms." Antiasthma medications should normally be taken on a regular schedule, not solely based on immediate symptoms. They should not be discontinued in the absence of symptoms. Increasing fluid intake, limiting caffeine, and adhering to the administration schedule are correct actions.
An 8-year-old child with an acute asthmatic attack is receiving metaproterenol via nebulizer. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
Mix the drug with saline. Metaproterenol is mixed with saline in the nebulizer chamber for administration. The child should sit upright or be in a semi-Fowler's position. He should breathe slowly and deeply during the treatment. The treatment is completed when all of the solution (liquid) is gone from the chamber.
An adult client with a diagnosis of asthma has been prescribed montelukast. The nurse should teach the client that this drug will help relieve symptoms by which mechanism?
preventing the bronchoconstriction and inflammation that is caused by leukotrienes Montelukast prevents leukotrienes from binding to its receptors reducing the bronchoconstriction and ultimate inflammation caused by leukotrienes. This information makes all the remaining options incorrect.
The nurse is reviewing a client's morning blood work and notes a theophylline level of 22.2 mcg/mL (123.21 µmol/L). What action should the nurse take?
Contact the care provider and inform him or her that the client has toxic theophylline levels. To determine theophylline dosage, prescribers should measure serum theophylline levels. Therapeutic range is 5 to 15 mcg/mL (27.75 to 83.25 µmol/L); toxic levels are 20 mcg/mL (111 µmol/L) or above. The care provider must be informed of this elevated serum level.
What medical condition is likely to be exacerbated by the medication therapy associated with asthma?
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Asthma, may aggravate GERD, because antiasthma medications that dilate the airways also relax muscle tone in the gastroesophageal sphincter and may increase acid reflux. The relationship between asthma medications and the other options is not supported by research data.
A client prescribed albuterol should be educated on identifying and managing which adverse reaction?
tachycardia The symptoms of cardiac stimulation, including tachycardia, are noted with the administration of albuterol. The client will not experience polydipsia, hypotension, or diarrhea because of the effects of albuterol.
A newborn, experiencing ineffective alveolar expansion, is receiving treatment. What intervention should the nurse implement to assure the administration of the prescribed medication has been effective?
Monitoring respirations for bilateral chest movement Ensure proper placement of the endotracheal tube with bilateral chest movement and lung sounds to provide adequate delivery of the drug. Suctioning should be avoided for at least 2 hours after the surfactin is instilled into the newborn's endotracheal tube. Neither the delivery of supplemental oxygen nor position changes are related to the delivery of the medication into the infant's lungs.
After teaching a group of students about inhaled steroids, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students state:
The drugs are not for use during an acute attack. The drugs are not for emergency use or use during an acute attack because their onset of action is slow. Systemic absorption is not typical with inhalation unless the patient did not administer the drug properly or has lesions that allowed absorption of the drug. Inhalation decreases the effectiveness of the inflammatory cells leading to decreased swelling and promotion of beta adrenergic receptor activity. The drugs are rapidly absorbed, but take 2 to 3 weeks to reach effective levels.
A client is admitted to the emergency department with inspiratory stridor and air hunger. When anticipating treatment, the nurse will prepare which medication for administration?
epinephrine Epinephrine may be injected subcutaneously in an acute attack of bronchoconstriction. Ipratropium is administered by inhalation for maintenance therapy of bronchoconstriction related to chronic bronchitis and inflammation. It is not administered for an acute attack of bronchoconstriction. Cromolyn stabilizes mast cells and prevents the release of bronchoconstrictive and inflammatory substances when mast cells are confronted with allergens and other stimuli. It is not used for acute attacks. Pseudoephedrine is not administered for acute bronchoconstriction.
During the summer, a female client experiences increased periods of acute symptoms of her asthma. The health care provider increases the dose frequency of which of her medications?
Albuterol Albuterol is the initial drug of choice for acute bronchospasm.
An 8-year-old client reports shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness when participating in gym class. The client is diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma. What inhaled drug therapy is the health care provider most likely to prescribe?
Formoterol (Foradil), a highly selective beta-2 agonist Formoterol is used primarily to prevent exercise-induced asthma, although it may also be used in clients with emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Epinephrine induces multiple adverse reactions, while terbutaline's main pharmacotherapeutic effect is the prevention of bronchospasm, and it is also clinically used to abort premature labor. Theophylline is administered orally or intravenously.
Where should the nurse initially direct a client who is interested in learning more about the management of asthma?
Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Management of asthma involves prevention of airway inflammation and avoidance of triggers for better symptom control. Because of asthma's significance as a world health problem, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) published asthma guidelines of diagnosis, management, and education. These guidelines emphasize the importance of classifying asthma severity and the assessment of asthma control. While the other options may provide information on asthma, the GINA is most inclusive.
Which agents would the nurse identify as selectively and competitively blocking the receptors for the production of two substances that are components of SRSA?
Leukotriene receptor antagonists Leukotriene receptor antagonists selectively and competitively block or antagonize receptors for the production of leukotrienes D4 and E4, components of SRSA. Xanthines are thought to work by directly affecting the mobilization of calcium within the cell by stimulating two prostaglandins, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation. Xanthines also inhibit the release of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRSA) and histamine. Mast cell stabilizers work at the cellular level to inhibit the release of histamine (released from mast cells in response to inflammation or irritation) and inhibits the release of SRSA. Anticholinergics are used as bronchodilators because of their effect on the vagus nerve, which is to block or antagonize the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at vagal-mediated receptor sites.
Which medication is used to treat acute airflow obstruction?
Metaproterenol Metaproterenol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used as a quick-relief medication. Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used as a long-term control medication. Montelukast is a leukotriene antagonist used for prophylactic treatment of chronic asthma. Azelastine is a second-generation antihistamine.
The client uses his sympathomimetic inhaler frequently. The nurse evaluates the client for which of the following symptoms related to frequent use of the sympathomimetic inhaler?
Nervousness Frequent use of sympathomimetic inhalers can cause nervousness, hypertension, tachycardia, and anxiety.
A client with COPD takes theophylline. The nurse identifies that the client is still experiencing severe dyspnea. Upon review of labs, the theophylline level remains nontherapeutic. The nurse evaluates the client for which of the following drugs that may cause decreased theophylline levels?
Nicotine When combined with nicotine, theophylline levels are decreased. Allopurinol, cimetidine, and corticosteroids can increase theophylline levels.
A female client presents to the emergency department with acutely deteriorating asthma. Her husband tells the nurse that his wife takes salmeterol. He then tells the nurse that he gave her three extra puffs when she became ill. What statement is correct in this situation?
Salmeterol is contraindicated based on his wife's condition. The FDA has issued a black box warning that initiating salmeterol in people with significantly worsening or acutely deteriorating asthma may be life threatening.
A client is prescribed albuterol, 2 puffs every 6 hours. After teaching the client about the drug and its administration, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the client states that he will allow how much time between each puff?
1 minute The client should allow 1 minute to elapse between each puff of the inhaled medication. Less than 1 minute may not allow the proper metered dose to be inhaled. Waiting 2 minutes is not necessary.
A patient is receiving aminophylline orally. The nurse would expect this drug to begin acting within which time frame?
1 to 6 hours Aminophylline has an onset of action of 1 to 6 hours.
The nurse assesses the serum theophylline of a client. Which finding would the nurse identify as being therapeutic?
15 mcg/mL Therapeutic theophylline levels range from 10 to 20 mcg/mL. A value of 15 mcg/mL would be considered therapeutic.
Which statement made by a nurse providing care to a newborn prescribed surfactin therapy indicates a need for additional instructions to ensure the medication's effectiveness?
"The baby requires suctioning every 1 hour for 4 hours after the instillation of surfactant." Suction the infant immediately before administration, but do not suction for 2 hours after administration unless clinically necessary, to allow the drug time to work.
When evaluating an asthmatic client's knowledge of self-care, the nurse recognizes that additional instructions are needed when the client makes which of the following statements?
"When I am short of breath, I will increase the use of my fluticasone." Fluticasone is an inhaled steroid and should not be used during acute asthmatic attacks. Washing linens weekly will decrease the incidence of dust mites. When clients can participate in some, but not all of usual activities, they are in the yellow zone. Once medication is inhaled, the client should hold his or her breath for 10 seconds so that medication can reach deep into the lungs.
A client has been admitted to a health care facility with asthma. The nurse is to administer theophylline to the client. To which clients can the nurse safely administer theophylline?
A 65-year-old male with asthma The nurse can safely administer theophylline to the client who is 65 years of age. It needs to be administered cautiously in clients older 69 years of age or those with hepatic disease, cardiac disease, or hypertension.
A male client presents to the emergency department in bronchospasm. He has a history of smoking two packs per day for 20 years and is prescribed phenytoin to control a seizure disorder that developed after a head injury 3 years ago. Based on the client's history, what would the nurse expect the health care provider to order?
A modified dose of aminophylline Cigarette smoking and drugs that stimulate drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin) increase the rate of metabolism and, therefore, the dosage requirements of aminophylline.
After reviewing information about drugs used to treat lower respiratory system conditions, a group of nursing students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which as an example of a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA)?
Albuterol Albuterol is a SABA. Formoterol, salmeterol, and arformoterol are all long-acting beta-2 agonists.
A female client is prescribed systemic corticosteroids for her asthma. The nurse knows that the client is at risk for what problem?
Adrenal insufficiency Adrenal insufficiency is most likely to occur with systemic or high doses of inhaled corticosteroids.
A 5-year-old boy is brought to the ED with an asthma exacerbation, including wheezing (a high-pitched, whistling sound caused by turbulent airflow through an obstructed airway). Those who have asthma chronically present with what signs, even when they may appear symptom free? (Select all that apply.)
Airway inflammation Damaged airway mucosa Inflammation and damaged airway mucosa are chronically present in asthma, even when clients appear symptom free.
A male client presents with symptoms of bronchospasm that occurred during a birthday party for his grandson. What medication would the nurse expect the health care provider to give the client?
Albuterol A selective, short-acting, inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonist (e.g., albuterol) is the initial rescue drug of choice for acute bronchospasm; subcutaneous epinephrine may also be considered.
Mr. Ashum is prescribed an albuterol inhaler as part of his treatment regimen for asthma. What is the mechanism of action for this medication?
Albuterol causes relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscles. The main result of albuterol binding to beta-2 receptors in the lungs is relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles. This relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle relieves bronchospasm, reduces airway resistance, facilitates mucous drainage, and increases vital capacity.
The client has been diagnosed with asthma and is being treated with two inhalers, albuterol and flunisolide. The nurse teaches the client that the two medications should be administered in what order?
Albuterol first, wait five minutes and then follow with flunisolide Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should be used first, given time to open the airways, and then the inhaled corticosteroid is administered.
A client is prescribed a leukotriene receptor antagonist. The nurse should evaluate the effectiveness of the medication therapy based on the long term management of symptoms associated with which respiratory condition?
Asthma Leukotriene receptor antagonists block or antagonize receptors for the production of leukotrienes D4 and E4, thus blocking many of the signs and symptoms of asthma. This class of medication is not typically associated with the long term management of any of the other options.
Which would the nurse include as possible adverse effects when teaching a patient about albuterol? (Select all that apply.)
Bronchospasm Nervousness Sweating Adverse effects associated with albuterol, a sympathomimetic, include CNS stimulation, GI upset, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, bronchospasm, sweating, pallor, and flushing.
After teaching a group of students about leukotriene receptor antagonists, the instructor determines a need for additional teaching when the students identify which agent as an example?
Fluticasone Fluticasone is an inhaled steroid. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Zileuton is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Zafirkulast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist.
The nurse should complete which of the following during acute breathing distress before initiation of a broncodilator? Select all that apply:
Check blood pressure. Check pulse. Check respiratory rate Prior to initiation of a bronchodilator during acute breathing distress, the nurse needs to take a blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate.
A client is given theophylline to treat acute asthma symptoms. Which food should the client avoid?
Chocolate Chocolate contains caffeine and is also a xanthine; thus chocolate should be avoided when the client is taking theophylline. Restriction of bananas, orange juice, and cranberry juice is not required.
A nurse would expect to increase the dosage of theophylline if the client has a current history of which of the following?
Cigarette smoking Nicotine increases the metabolism of xanthines; therefore, an increased dosage would be necessary. Hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal, upset or alcohol intake requires cautious use of the drug because these conditions may be exacerbated by the systemic effects of the drug. The drug dosage may need to be decreased in these situations.
A nurse is providing discharge planning for a 45-year-old woman who has a prescription for oral albuterol. The nurse will question the patient about her intake of which of the following?
Coffee The nurse should assess the patient's intake of caffeine, including coffee, tea, soda, cocoa, candy, and chocolate. Caffeine has sympathomimetic effects that may increase the risk for adverse effects. Alcohol, salt, and vitamin C intake is important to assess, but does not potentiate the effects of albuterol.
Which of the following effects would result from the action of montelukast?
Decreased eosinophil migration Montelukast selectively and competitively blocks receptors for the production of leukotrienes D4 and E4, which are components of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis. As a result, the drug blocks many of the signs and symptoms of asthma, such as neutrophil and eosinophil migration, neutrophil and monocyte aggregation, leukocyte adhesion, increased capillary permeability, and smooth muscle contraction.
A client was using a nicotine patch to stop smoking when he was started on theophylline for emphysema. He has successfully stopped smoking and has stopped using his nicotine patch. Which of following would the nurse anticipate about the prescribed theophylline?
Dose should be decreased. Nicotine decreases theophylline levels. If a client is no longer using nicotine, his theophylline levels will increase, warranting a decrease in theophylline dose. The drug should not be discontinued as the client may develop exacerbation of the emphysema. The dose should not be increased because the nicotine patch decreases the theophylline levels. Adjustment should be made to keep the client's theophylline levels in the desired range.
A client who smokes is receiving theophylline orally. Because of his history of smoking, the nurse expects the health care provider to do what with the theophylline dosing?
Increase Nicotine from smoking interferes with the ability of the body to metabolize theophylline. Due to decreased metabolism, the dosage of theophylline would be increased.
A client with asthma is administered zileuton along with theophylline. The nurse should be especially alert for which of the following?
Increased serum theophylline When administering zileuton along with theophylline, the nurse should monitor for increased serum theophylline. Serum zileuton levels and pulse rate are not increased when zileuton is administered along with theophylline. Increased prothrombin time is seen when warfarin, and not theophylline, is given along with zileuton.
A nurse is administering levalbuterol to a client. The nurse would administer this drug by which route?
Inhalation Levalbuterol is administered only as an inhalant by nebulizer.
A client is prescribed salmeterol. The nurse would expect this drug to be administered by which route?
Inhalation Salmeterol is administered via inhalation.
A neonate is receiving beractant. The nurse understands that this agent is administered by which route?
Intratracheal Beractant is administered intratracheally.
A man who smokes one pack of cigarettes daily has been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. He has been prescribed theophylline by his family provider. What effect will the client's smoking status have on the therapeutic use of theophylline?
The client may require higher doses of theophylline than a nonsmoker Smoking cigarettes may decrease serum theophylline levels. In fact, some clients who smoke require an increase in theophylline dosage of up to 50%. Theophylline is not associated with a risk of anaphylactoid reaction. Theophylline doses do not need to be concurrent with the use of bronchodilators.
A client has been prescribed theophylline intravenously and began the therapy three days ago. The nurse suspects that the serum drug level is above therapeutic levels when the client makes what statement? Select all that apply.
"I don't want lunch; I'm feeling nauseous." "I'm so tired; I haven't been sleeping well." "It feels like my heart is beating faster than usual." "I need to tell you that I vomited a few minutes ago." Signs and symptoms of theophylline overdose include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, agitation, nervousness, insomnia, tachycardia and other dysrhythmias, and tonic-clonic convulsions. A rash is not associated with toxic levels of theophylline.
The nurse has finished teaching a 15-year-old client how to use an inhaler to treat asthma. What statement by the client suggests an understanding of the teaching?
"I need to shake the inhaler well before taking the medication." Just before each use, the client should shake the inhaler well. After shaking, proper technique involves exhaling before placing the inhaler in the mouth; taking a slow, deep breath while delivering the medication into the mouth; and holding the breath for approximately ten seconds before exhaling slowly. A subsequent dose can be administered within a few minutes of the first.
An adolescent client is prescribed a leukotriene receptor antagonist as a part of a medication regime to manage his/her asthma. Which statement made by the client requires additional education on this classification of medications?
"I need to take the medication when I start to have problems breathing." These drugs are not indicated for the treatment of acute asthmatic attacks because they do not provide any immediate effects on the airways. Patients need to be cautioned that they should not rely on these drugs for relief from an acute asthmatic attack. The remaining statements are all accurate information regarding this classification of medications.
The client has been prescribed cromolyn (Intal) for the treatment of asthma, and the nurse is evaluating the client's understanding of the medication. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further education?
"I will use this medication when I am having an asthma attack." Cromolyn (Intal) is a mast cell stabilizer used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of asthma and other allergic disorders. Adverse reactions include drying of the throat and coughing or wheezing. It should not be used during an acute asthma attack because it may worsen the bronchospasm.
A client is using an inhaled bronchodilator as treatment for exercise-induced asthma. The nurse would instruct the client to use the inhaler at which time?
15 minutes before engaging in exercise The client should use the inhaler approximately 15 minutes before exercising to achieve the maximum therapeutic effects.
The nurse instructs a patient who is using albuterol for exercise-induced bronchospasm to use the inhaler at which time?
15 minutes prior to exercising Albuterol for exercise induced bronchospasm should be administered 15 minutes prior to exercising.
A patient who is prescribed ipratropium administers the drug at 9:15 AM. The patient should begin to notice the drug beginning to act at which time?
9:30 AM Inhaled ipratropium has an onset of action of 15 minutes, so the patient should begin to feel the effects of the drug at 9:30 AM.
Which of the following would a nurse identify as a surfactant?
Beractant Beractant is a lung surfactant. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer. Zileuton is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Theophylline is a xanthine.
A client is experiencing an acute asthmatic attack. Which agent would be most effective?
Beta-2 selective adrenergic agonist A beta-2 selective adrenergic agonist or sympathomimetic would be most appropriate because these agents are rapidly distributed after injection and rapidly absorbed after inhalation. An inhaled steroid would require 2 to 3 weeks to reach effective levels. Leukotriene receptor antagonists and mast cell stabilizers do not have immediate effects.
The client's theophylline levels are increased when the lab results are added to the electronic health record. The nurse questions the client about his intake of which?
Coffee Xanthines are found in colas, coffee, chocolate, and charcoal-prepared foods. This could cause the client's theophylline levels to increase. Neither tea, carrots, nor cheese affect theophylline levels.
A group of students are reviewing the various drugs that affect inflammation. The students demonstrate understanding when they identify which agent as a mast cell stabilizer?
Cromolyn Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Calfactant is a lung surfactant. Triamcinolone is an inhaled steroid.
A 27-year-old athlete with newly diagnosed asthma presents for patient education regarding situations that could precipitate an asthma attack. The nurse teaches that acute episodes of asthma may last minutes to hours. In this teaching, which precipitants would the nurse state may cause the asthma? (Select all that apply.)
Exercise Allergens Pollutants Precipitants may include allergens (e.g., pollens, molds), airway irritants and pollutants (e.g., chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust), cold air, and exercise.
A nurse is required to educate a patient prescribed albuterol on the adverse effects associated with the drug. Which of the following symptoms, if experienced, should the nurse instruct the patient to report to the health care provider?
Headache and flushing The nurse should instruct the patient to contact the health care provider if palpitations, tachycardia, chest pain, muscle tremors, dizziness, headache, flushing, or difficulty with urination or breathing occur. Fall in blood pressure, increased nighttime urination, or hearing impairment are not adverse effects associated with a sympathomimetic bronchodilator.
Which of the following would be most important to assess before administering calfactant? (Select all that apply.)
Oxygen saturation levels Endotracheal tube placement Lung sounds Before administering calfactant, it would be important to ensure proper endotracheal tube placement because the drug is instilled directly into the trachea. In addition, lung sounds and oxygen saturation levels would be important as a baseline to evaluate effectiveness of the drug.
While reviewing a client's history, an allergy to which of the following would alert the nurse to a possible problem with the use of ipratropium?
Peanuts The use of ipratropium is contraindicated in the presence of known allergy to the drug or to peanuts or soy products because the vehicle used to make ipratropium, an aerosol, contains a protein associated with peanut allergies.
The nurse caring for a premature newborn receiving surfactin therapy should monitor for what adverse effects? Select all that apply.
Pneumothorax Patent ductus arteriosus bradycardia Adverse effects of surfactin therapy include: pneumothorax, patent ductus arteriosus, bradycardia, sepsis. Surfactin therapy is not associated with bronchoconstriction.
A client, experiencing respiratory distress related bronchi constriction, will benefit from what therapeutic action provided by anticholinergic medication therapy?
Relaxation of smooth muscle Anticholinergics can be used as bronchodilators because of their effect on the vagus nerve, resulting in relaxation of smooth muscle in the bronchi, which leads to bronchodilation. None of the other options describe the bronchial dilation affected of the anticholinergic classification of medications.
The client with asthma has been ordered an inhaler and the nurse is teaching how to prevent Candida infections. Which would the nurse include in the instructions?
Rinse mouth with water after each use. The client should be taught to rinse his mouth out with water after using oral inhalers to prevent a Candida oral infection. Candida is a yeast that can grow in the mouth, it is important that they have good oral hygiene but rinsing the mouth is sufficient. The client would not brush teeth between puffs, nor would they clean a spacer with alcohol. A spacer allows for better usage of the drug especially in children.
A male patient is to begin treatment for pneumonia with an albuterol (Ventolin) inhaler. The nurse will advise the patient that he will most likely experience which common adverse effects of the drug?
Throat irritation The most common adverse effects of inhaled albuterol include throat irritation, palpitations, sinus tachycardia, anxiety tremor, and increased blood pressure. Serious adverse effects such as bronchospasm, urticaria, and angioedema rarely occur. Headache, dyspepsia, and muscle cramps are frequent adverse effects of oral albuterol only.
What is the most common first-line therapy for relief of an acute asthma attack?
beta2-adrenergic agonist A client experiencing an acute asthma attack should be administered a beta2-adrenergic agonist. The client can receive an inhaled steroid, but it is not the first-line therapy. Leukotriene modifiers are used for maintenance in asthma, not during acute exacerbation. Xanthines are not the drug of choice in acute asthma attack.
A client prescribed antiasthmatic drugs should be encouraged to avoid excessive intake of what beverage?
coffee Clients taking antiasthmatic drugs should generally avoid excessive intake of caffeine-containing fluids such as coffee, tea, and cola drinks. These beverages may increase bronchodilation but also may increase heart rate and cause palpitations, nervousness, and insomnia with bronchodilating drugs. None of the other options contain sufficient amounts of caffeine to cause such an affect.
What is considered a possible trigger for an asthma attack? Select all that apply.
exercise allergens pollutants cigarette smoke Precipitants may include allergens (e.g., pollens, molds), airway irritants and pollutants (e.g., chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust), cold air, and exercise.
A client diagnosed with asthma has been prescribed a leukotriene receptor antagonist. What information should the nurse include when discussion medication instructions with this client?
The medication should be taken on an empty stomach. Administer drug on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals; the bioavailability of these drugs is decreased markedly by the presence of food. None of the other options present accurate information regarding the administration of this class of medications.
The parents of a 7-year-old client who has been diagnosed with allergic asthma are being taught about their son's medication regimen. The nurse is teaching about the appropriate use of a "rescue drug" for acute exacerbations. What drug should the nurse suggests the parents to use in these situations?
Albuterol Albuterol is a rescue drug that should be used first for all acute symptoms of shortness of breath or wheezing. Theophylline does not produce rapid symptom relief and beclomethasone is a maintenance drug. Acetylcysteine is not used in the treatment of asthma because it is used to manage secretions, which are not associated with asthma.
A nurse is providing education to a 56-year-old man who is admitted to the emergency department with an acute asthma attack. The nurse's initial assessment reveals that the patient has a history of pneumonia, drinks large quantities of coffee, and eats a high-calorie diet. Albuterol is prescribed for him. The important consideration when the nurse is preparing a teaching plan will be that the patient
has a high coffee intake. Caffeine has sympathomimetic effects that may increase the risk for adverse effects with albuterol. The nurse should assess the patient's intake of caffeine through coffee, tea, soda, cocoa, candy, and chocolate. The patient's age, history of pneumonia, and preference for high-calorie food would not have important implications for his albuterol drug therapy.
