A patient will be starting therapy with a corticosteroid. The nurse reviews the prescriber's orders and notes that an interaction may occur if the corticosteroid is taken with which of these drug classes?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because NPH insulin is normally cloudy and should be gently mixed before use. However, the nurse should discard the solution if it has clumps, flakes, or crystals.

Choice B reason: This is correct because NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that has a slower onset and longer duration than short-acting or rapid-acting insulins. The nurse should explain to the client that NPH insulin provides basal coverage and may need to be combined with other types of insulin to control blood glucose levels.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because freezing insulin can damage its potency and effectiveness. The nurse should instruct the client to store unopened insulin vials in the refrigerator and opened vials at room temperature.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because shaking insulin can cause air bubbles and frothing, which can affect the accuracy of the dose. The nurse should instruct the client to roll the insulin vial between the palms of the hands to mix it gently.

Choice A reason: The client waits 10 min between inhalations is not the correct answer. This is not a recommended practice for using an albuterol inhaler. The client should wait at least 1 min between inhalations to allow the medication to reach the lungs and avoid overdose.

Choice B reason: The client takes a quick inhalation while releasing the medication from the inhaler is the correct answer. This is the correct way to use an albuterol inhaler. The client should breathe in quickly and deeply while pressing down on the inhaler to release the medication. This ensures that the medication is delivered to the airways and not the mouth or throat.

Choice C reason: The client exhales as the medication is released from the inhaler is not the correct answer. This is not a recommended practice for using an albuterol inhaler. The client should exhale before using the inhaler, not during or after. Exhaling while using the inhaler can cause the medication to be wasted or to irritate the mouth or throat.

Choice D reason: The client holds his breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication is not the correct answer. This is not a recommended practice for using an albuterol inhaler. The client should hold his breath for only a few seconds after inhaling the medication, not 10 seconds. Holding the breath for too long can cause dizziness, headache, or chest discomfort.