Prep U Respiratory Chapter 11: Nursing Management: Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma

In light of her recent diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a 66-year-old woman has been prescribed bronchodilators and corticosteroids, both of which will be administered by metered dose inhaler. How should the nurse instruct the patient on the correct administration of her medications?

"When you're taking your inhalers, breathe in as deeply as you can and hold each breath for several seconds."

After reviewing the pharmacological treatment for pulmonary diseases, the nursing student knows that bronchodilators relieve bronchospasm in three ways. Choose the correct three of the following options.

Alter smooth muscle tone Reduce airway obstruction Increase oxygen distribution

To help prevent infections in clients with COPD, the nurse should recommend vaccinations against two bacterial organisms. Which of the following are the two vaccinations?

Streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus influenzae

A physician orders a beta2 adrenergic-agonist agent (bronchodilator) that is short-acting and administered only by inhaler. The nurse knows this would probably be

albuterol

Long-term oxygen therapy has been prescribed for a patient whose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has recently increased in severity. When teaching this patient about this treatment modality, what information should the nurse provide?

"It's important to use your oxygen as ordered and not to base it solely on your shortness of breath at the time."

The nurse is performing an admission assessment of a patient who has a history of asthma. The nurse should be aware that the most common signs of asthma are what?

Bilateral wheezes

As status asthmaticus worsens, the nurse would expect which acid-base imbalance?

respiratory acidosis

The nurse is planning the care of a complex elderly patient who has been admitted to the medical ward for the treatment of cellulitis. The nurse notes that the patient has a longstanding history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What assessment finding would most clearly indicate the need for oxygen therapy?

SaO2 of 86% on room air

A client is at risk for emphysema. When reviewing information about the condition with the client, which would the nurse emphasize as the most important environmental risk factor for emphysema?

cigarette smoking