Chapter 55: Drugs Acting on the Lower Respiratory Tract

The nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with asthma about triggers. Which statement by the client indicates the client understands the teaching plan?

"I will use my air conditioner."

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 has admitted a client with COPD to the unit with an acute exacerbation. The client takes ipratropium. When writing a plan of care for this client, what would be an appropriate nursing diagnosis to use?

Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements

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 recently began taking theophylline for treatment of asthma. Which changes in the client's lifestyle would suggest that the client understands proper use of the drug and management of the disease?

Limiting fluid intake to one liter a day

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

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 nurse would expect to increase the dosage of theophylline if the client has a current history of which of the following?

Cigarette smoking

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

15 mcg/mL

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

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

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

Why are inhaled steroids used to treat asthma and COPD?

They act locally to decrease release of inflammatory mediators