Chapter 54: Drugs Acting on the Upper Respiratory Tract

A patient with acute respiratory symptoms is receiving a loading dose of theophylline. Which of the following signs of toxicity should alert the nurse to notify the primary health care provider immediately?

Abdominal cramps

Which nursing diagnosis would provide the clearest indication for the administration of inhaled acetylcysteine?

Acetylcysteine reduces the viscosity of mucous secretions with the ultimate goal of allowing the client to establish and maintain a clear airway. This drug does not directly influence the pattern of breathing

A nurse caring for a client in the hospital is being discharged today with a prescription for benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) 200 mg one capsule 3 times daily. What would the nurse tell the client about this prescription during discharge counseling? (Select all that apply.)

Benzonatate can cause GI upset and sedation. The client should drink plenty fluids.

client is prescribed a steroid to help decrease inflammation in their respiratory tract. When providing medication education to the client what should the nurse identify as the benefit primary benefit of administering the medication by inhaler?

Fewer systemic effects

The triage nurse in the emergency department has a 42-year-old client with asthma present for treatment. The client's respiratory rate is 40 breaths per minute. Based on this objective data, what is the correct nursing diagnosis for this client?

Ineffective breathing pattern

A neonate is receiving beractant. The nurse understands that this agent is administered by which route?

Intratracheal

Isoproterenol is an anticholinergic agent.

Isoproterenol is a sympathomimetic agent.

The client has mild, persistent asthma. The nurse anticipates the healthcare provider prescribing which daily medications?

Terbutaline, albuterol, and levalbuterol are all short-acting beta-2 agonists that are used for acute symptom relief. Fluticasone is a daily inhaled corticosteroid.

A client with asthma is administered zileuton along with theophylline. The nurse should be especially alert for which of the following?

When administering zileuton along with theophylline, the nurse should monitor for increased serum theophylline.

A client with cystic fibrosis may use which type of medication to reduce the viscosity of respiratory secretions?

ornase alfa (Pulmozyme) is a mucolytic use in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

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.

A client is given theophylline to treat acute asthma symptoms. Which food should the client avoid?

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 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? You Selected:

Cromolyn

After teaching a client who is receiving an antitussive about the drug, which statement indicates the need for additional teaching?

Measures to assist with cough control when using antitussives include cool temperatures, humidification, lozenges, and increased fluids.

A patient receives guaifenesin. The nurse would expect the drug to begin acting within which time frame?

Guaifenesin has an onset of action of 30 minutes.

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

In children, high doses of nebulized albuterol have been associated with what conditions? (Select all that apply.)

Tachycardia Hypokalemia Hyperglycemia

he 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?

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.

The physician has order promethazine (Phenergan) for a client who is nauseated and vomiting. Which would be an appropriate route of administering promethazine to the client? (Select all that apply.)

IM or IV would be the best routes for administration of promethazine for this client. Promethazine can also be given orally as an antiemetic; however, if the client is actively vomiting the tablet might be regurgitated before it can be absorbed to elicit its effect.