A nurse is caring for a client who has breast cancer and reports pain 1 hr after administration of prescribed morphine 10 mg IV.
Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?

Fluticasone is an inhaled steroid that prevents the symptoms of asthma by decreasing inflammation in the airways. It is not used to treat a sudden asthma attack.

Some additional information to explain why the other choices are wrong are:

Choice C is wrong because soaking the inhaler in water after use can damage the device and affect its performance.

Choice D is wrong because fluticasone is not a rescue inhaler that can be used as needed for shortness of breath.It is a controller inhaler that should be used regularly as prescribed by the doctor.

Choice E is wrong because shaking the device prior to administration is not necessary for a fluticasone metered-dose inhaler (MDI).However, it is recommended for fluticasone inhalation powder (Flovent Diskus). Some normal ranges that may be applicable are:

The usual dose of fluticasone MDI for adults and children 12 years and older is 55 to 232 mcg twice a day.The usual dose of fluticasone MDI for children 4 to 11 years old is 30 mcg twice a day. The maximum dose of fluticasone MDI for adults and children 12 years and older is 1000 mcg twice a day.

This is a high level of potassium in the blood (the normal range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) and can be dangerous for the heart.

Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents the body from losing too much potassium in the urine. It can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium), especially in people with kidney disease, diabetes, or severe illness. The nurse should check the potassium level before giving triamterene and hold the medication if it is above 5 mEq/L.

The other choices are incorrect because:

Choice A: Sodium 142 mEq/L.

This is a normal level of sodium in the blood (the normal range is 135 to 145 mEq/L) and does not require withholding triamterene. Triamterene can cause hyponatremia (low sodium) by increasing the excretion of sodium in the urine. The nurse should monitor the sodium level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of low sodium such as confusion, weakness, or seizures.

Choice B: BUN 16 mg/dL.

This is a normal level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the blood (normal range is 7 to 20 mg/dL) and does not require withholding

triamterene. BUN is a measure of kidney function and can be elevated in kidney disease or dehydration. Triamterene can cause an increase in BUN by reducing the blood flow to the kidneys or by interacting with other medications that affect the kidneys. The nurse should monitor the BUN level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of kidney impairment such as decreased urine output, swelling, or nausea. •

Choice D: Albumin 4 g/dL.

This is a normal level of albumin in the blood (the normal range is 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL) and does not require withholding triamterene. Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood. Triamterene does not affect albumin levels directly, but it can cause fluid loss or retention that may alter albumin levels indirectly. The nurse should monitor the albumin level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of fluid imbalance such as weight changes, edema, or shortness of breath.