module - 2 lower respiratory questions
A client is experiencing an acute asthmatic attack. Which agent would be most effective?
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.
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?
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. Albuterol is the initial drug of choice for acute bronchospasm.
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 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
Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should be used first, given time to open the airways, and then the inhaled corticosteroid is administered.
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?
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.
A nurse is administering levalbuterol to a client. The nurse would administer this drug by which route?
Levalbuterol is administered only as an inhalant by nebulizer.
A client is being assessed by the home care nurse on the appropriate use of her metered-dose inhalers. Instructions concerning which intervention will assist a client in the proper administration of the metered-dose inhaler?
The client should be instructed to use a spacer to increase compliance and accuracy of administration. An asthma spacer is an add-on device used to increase the ease of administering aerosolized medication from a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). The corticosteroid should be administered after the bronchodilator. The increase in fluids will not affect the administration of the inhaler. The client should hold his or her breath for several seconds after administration of the inhaler.
Mr. Ashum is prescribed an albuterol inhaler as part of his treatment regimen for asthma. What is the mechanism of action for this medication?
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.
