Pharm - Ch. 55 Drugs Acting on the Lower Respiratory System

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

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 Explanation: Albuterol is a SABA. Formoterol, salmeterol, and arformoterol are all long-acting beta-2 agonists.

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 Explanation: 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 experiencing an acute asthmatic attack. Which agent would be most effective?

Beta-2 selective adrenergic agonist Explanation: 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.

A nurse would expect to increase the dosage of theophylline if the client has a current history of which of the following? -hyperthyroidism -alcohol intake -cigarette smoking - GI Upset

Cigarette smoking Explanation: 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 client prescribed antiasthmatic drugs should be encouraged to avoid excessive intake of what beverage?

Coffee Explanation: 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.

A client, experiencing respiratory distress related bronchi constriction, will benefit from what therapeutic action provided by anticholinergic medication therapy? - Relaxation of smooth muscle

Explanation: 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.

How do inhaled corticosteroid agents assist in the treatment of asthma?

Inhaled corticosteroid agents will reduce airway inflammation. Explanation: Inhaled corticosteroid agents suppress the release of inflammatory mediators, block the generations of cytokines, and decrease the recruitment of airway eosinophils.

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? - eggs - peanuts - dairy - shellfish

Peanuts Explanation: 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.

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. Explanation: 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 child prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid agent to decrease respiratory inflammation is now receiving high doses of the drug after only 2 days of treatment. What adverse reaction is the client at risk for developing?

adrenal insufficiency Explanation:Adrenal insufficiency is most likely to occur with systemic or high doses of inhaled corticosteroids.

What medical condition is likely to be exacerbated by the medication therapy associated with asthma?

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Explanation: Asthma, may aggravate GERD, because antiasthma medications that dilate the airways also relax muscle tone in the gastroesophageal sphincter and may increase acid reflux