NUR 2144 Pharmacology II Chapter 55: Drugs Acting on the Lower Respiratory Tract

A client with asthma has been prescribed an albuterol inhaler. What recommendation should the nurse include in client teaching?

"Stop smoking to reduce bronchoconstriction."

The nurse assesses the serum theophylline of a client. Which finding would the nurse identify as being therapeutic?

15 mcg/mL

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

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 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

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

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

The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV theophylline for treatment of severe bronchospasm. The nurse will ensure that which item on the client's food tray will be held while the client is receiving theophylline?

Coffee

The nurse is providing education to a client who has been prescribed an antiasthmatic drug. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid excessive intake of what beverage?

Coffee

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."

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?

Inform the health care provider that the client has toxic theophylline levels.

A client is prescribed salmeterol. The nurse would expect this drug to be administered by which route?

Inhalation

The nurse is providing education to a client with asthma on the therapeutic action of inhaled corticosteroid agents. How will the nurse describe the action?

Inhaled corticosteroid agents reduce airway inflammation.

Which medication is used to treat acute airflow obstruction?

Metaproterenol

The client is 73 years of age and has a history of coronary artery disease and COPD. She is being started on formoterol (Foradil). The nurse would assess the client for which of the following conditions? Select all that apply.

Tachycardia Hypertension

Aerosols are often the drugs of choice to treat asthma because of what characteristics? (Select all that apply.)

They act directly on the airways. They can usually be given in smaller doses. They produce fewer adverse effects than oral or parenteral drugs. They relieve symptoms quickly

A client is being assessed by the home care nurse for the appropriate use of a metered-dose inhaler. Instructions concerning which intervention will assist a client in the proper use of the device?

Using a spacer

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.

A high school student was diagnosed with asthma when he was in elementary school and has become accustomed to carrying and using his "puffers". In recent months, he has become more involved in sports and has developed a habit of administering albuterol up to 10 times daily. The nurse should teach the student that overuse of albuterol can lead to

rebound bronchoconstriction.

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."

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

A client is prescribed salmeterol as treatment for exercise-induced asthma. The nurse would instruct the client to use the inhaler at which time?

30 minutes before engaging in exercise

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 is performing a routine assessment of a client whose medical record indicates a history of asthma. What assessment findings would the nurse expect? Select all that apply.

Airway inflammation Damaged airway mucosa

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

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

A male client is prescribed montelukast and uses it successfully to manage his asthma. He develops hepatitis C. What would the nurse expect the health care provider to do?

Maintain the same dose of the montelukast

Why are inhaled steroids used to treat asthma and COPD?

They act locally to decrease release of inflammatory mediators