A patient is in an urgent care center with an acute asthma attack. The nurse expects which medication will be used for initial treatment.
A long-acting beta2 agonist such as salmeterol (Serevent)
A short-acting (rapid-acting) beta2 agonist such as Albuterol (Proventil)
A corticosteroid such as fluticasone (Flovent)
An anticholinergic such as ipratropium (Atrovent)
The Correct Answer is B
During an acute asthma attack, the airways become narrowed and inflamed, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Short-acting beta2 agonists like Albuterol are the first-line medication for relieving acute asthma symptoms. They work by quickly relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, resulting in bronchodilation and improved airflow. Albuterol provides rapid relief of symptoms and is often administered via inhalation.
A. Long-acting beta2 agonists (e.g., salmeterol) are typically used as maintenance therapy for long-term control of asthma symptoms, rather than for immediate relief during an acute attack.
C. Corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone) are anti-inflammatory medications that are often prescribed for asthma, but they are more commonly used as part of a long-term management plan and may not provide immediate relief during an acute attack.
D. Anticholinergics (e.g., ipratropium) are sometimes used in combination with short-acting beta2 agonists for acute asthma exacerbations, but they are not typically the initial treatment choice for an acute asthma attack.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Montelukast is a medicine used to treat and prevent asthma and allergic rhinitis. It can cause some side effects, such as stomach pain, headache, cough, or fever. However, some side effects are more serious and need to be reported to the provider.
According to the sources I found, the most serious side effect of montelukast that should be reported to the provider is depression. Depression is a mental health condition that can affect your mood, thoughts, and behavior. It can cause symptoms such as feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless; losing interest in activities you used to enjoy; having trouble sleeping or concentrating; or having thoughts of harming yourself or others.
Montelukast has been linked to neuropsychiatric events, such as agitation, aggression, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts and behavior (including suicide). The mechanisms underlying these events are not well understood, but they can occur at any time during treatment. Therefore, patients and caregivers should be alert for changes in behavior or new neuropsychiatric symptoms when taking montelukast. If these occur, they should discontinue montelukast and contact a healthcare provider immediately.
The other options are not listed as serious side effects of montelukast that need to be reported to the provider. Constipation, blurred vision, and palpitations are possible side effects of other medicines used to treat asthma or allergic rhinitis, such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, or beta-agonists. However, they are not specific to montelukast and may not be related to its use.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Codeine is an opioid medication that can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Changing positions quickly, especially from lying down to standing up, can increase the risk of falls or accidents.
Instructing the client to change positions slowly helps prevent orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing) and reduces the risk of falls.
The other options listed are not appropriate instructions for a client taking codeine:
A. "You should expect to experience diarrhea while taking this medication." While constipation is a common side effect of opioids, diarrhea is not typically associated with codeine use. Therefore, there is no need to expect or warn about diarrhea as an anticipated effect of taking codeine.
C. "You should limit alcohol intake to 12 ounces daily." Mixing alcohol with codeine can have harmful effects, such as increased sedation and respiratory depression. However, it is generally recommended to avoid alcohol completely while taking codeine, rather than setting a specific limit of 12 ounces daily.
D. "You should take the medication on an empty stomach to prevent nausea." Taking codeine with or without food can vary depending on individual factors and the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider. However, taking codeine on an empty stomach does not necessarily prevent nausea. In fact, taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset for some individuals. It is best to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding the timing of codeine administration with or without food.
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