A nurse is caring for a client who asks how albuterol helps his breathing. Which of the following responses should the nurse make? (Select all that apply.)
The medication will prevent wheezing.
The medication will decrease coughing episodes.
The medication will reduce inflammation.
The medication will open the airways.
The medication will stimulate flow of mucus.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Answer: A, B D
Rationale:
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Albuterol is a bronchodilator, and one of its key effects is to relax the muscles around the airways, which helps prevent wheezing. Wheezing is often caused by narrowed airways, and by opening them, albuterol helps to prevent this sound, which is associated with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
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B. The medication will decrease coughing episodes:
Albuterol can help decrease coughing in individuals with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing the muscles in the airways, which reduces airway constriction. Since coughing often occurs due to airway obstruction, albuterol’s bronchodilator effect can help alleviate this symptom. -
C. The medication will reduce inflammation: Albuterol does not have anti-inflammatory properties. Its primary mechanism is bronchodilation, and anti-inflammatory treatment generally requires corticosteroids, not beta-agonists like albuterol.
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D. The medication will open the airways:
This is correct. Albuterol works as a bronchodilator, meaning it opens up the airways by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding them. This improves airflow and makes breathing easier, which is why it is often used in conditions like asthma or COPD. -
E. The medication will stimulate flow of mucus: Albuterol does not stimulate mucus production; it primarily works by relaxing the airways. However, by improving airflow, it can help clients more effectively expel mucus through coughing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, also known as barrel chest, is a common finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema. It is caused by chronic air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs, which results in fattening of the diaphragm and widening of the rib cage.
a) Oxygen saturation level 96% is within the normal range of 95% to 100% and does not indicate hypoxemia or impaired gas exchange. Clients who have COPD with emphysema typically have lower oxygen saturation levels, ranging from 88% to 92%.
b) Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to decreased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hyperventilation, which can occur in response to hypoxia, anxiety, or pain. Clients who have COPD with emphysema usually have respiratory acidosis, which is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to increased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hypoventilation, which results from impaired lung function and airway obstruction.
d) Petechiae on chest are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries. They are not a typical finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema, unless they have severe coughing episodes or coagulation disorders. They can indicate infection, inflammation, trauma, or vascular disease.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Placing the client in a prone position improves oxygenation and ventilation by reducing lung compression, increasing lung expansion, and redistributing blood flow to better match ventilation.
a) Administering low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula is not sufficient for a client with ARDS, who requires
high levels of oxygenation and positive pressure ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse and hypoxemia.
b) Offering high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently is beneficial for a client with ARDS, as it provides adequate nutrition and energy to support lung healing and prevent muscle wasting. However, it is not the priority intervention for improving respiratory function.
d) Encouraging oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of fluids per day is contraindicated for a client with ARDS, who is at risk of fluid overload and pulmonary edema. Fluid intake should be restricted and diuretics should be administered as prescribed to reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.
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