A nurse is providing education to a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and will begin using fluticasone by metered dose inhaler every 12 hours for maintenance. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
"Use this inhaler as the first-line medication to relieve acute symptoms."
"Inspect your mouth daily for signs of thrush."
"Check your heart rate before each dose."
"Skip the morning dose if you do not have any symptoms."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid inhaler used for maintenance therapy to reduce inflammation in the airways over time. It is not a rescue medication for acute symptoms. Clients with COPD should use short-acting bronchodilators (such as albuterol) as their first-line treatment for relieving acute symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing.
B. This statement is correct. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication that, when inhaled, can increase the risk of developing oral candidiasis (thrush). Clients should be instructed to rinse their mouth with water and spit after using the inhaler to minimize this risk. Inspecting the mouth daily for signs of white patches, soreness, or difficulty swallowing is important. If thrush develops, clients may need antifungal treatment.
C. This statement is not necessary for fluticasone inhaler use. Fluticasone is not known to significantly affect heart rate. Monitoring heart rate before each dose is more relevant for medications that can cause changes in heart rate, such as bronchodilators (e.g., beta-agonists). However, clients should monitor for symptoms like palpitations or rapid heart rate and report them to their healthcare provider.
D. Fluticasone is a maintenance medication that should be taken regularly as prescribed, regardless of symptoms. Skipping doses can lead to worsening of COPD symptoms and exacerbations. Clients should adhere to the prescribed dosing schedule to achieve optimal control of their condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used primarily for maintenance therapy in COPD and asthma. It helps reduce airway inflammation and prevent exacerbations but is not used for immediate relief of acute symptoms such as bronchospasm or sudden shortness of breath.
B. Fluticasone, like other corticosteroids delivered by inhalation, can increase the risk of oral thrush (candidiasis) due to its local immunosuppressive effects in the mouth. It's important for clients to monitor their oral cavity regularly for signs such as white patches or soreness. Including this instruction is crucial to detect thrush early so that appropriate treatment can be initiated if necessary.
C. Monitoring heart rate is not specifically necessary before each dose of fluticasone. Fluticasone is not known to cause significant cardiovascular effects such as changes in heart rate. Heart rate monitoring may be more relevant for medications that can affect cardiovascular function or in clients with pre- existing cardiac conditions.
D. Fluticasone should be used regularly as prescribed for maintenance therapy to control airway inflammation and prevent exacerbations in COPD. Skipping doses, even if symptoms are not present, can lead to inadequate control of the disease and potential worsening of symptoms over time.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client with myasthenia gravis who has bilateral ptosis and a positive edrophonium test is likely experiencing a myasthenic crisis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. This client would be the priority because they may require rapid intervention to maintain airway and breathing.
B. Bell's palsy is characterized by sudden onset of facial paralysis due to inflammation of the facial nerve. While Bell's palsy can be distressing for the client, it does not typically require urgent intervention unless there are complications such as corneal abrasion due to inability to close the eye.
C. Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. While this client requires ongoing assessment and care, the symptoms described do not typically indicate an acute or urgent need for intervention.
D. A client with multiple sclerosis who has bladder flaccidity and is retaining urine needs assessment and intervention to prevent complications such as urinary tract infections or renal damage. However, this is not as immediately life-threatening as a myasthenic crisis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.