The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with asthma on a medical surgical unit. The nurse is concerned when the patient makes the following statement after completing their Albuterol nebulizer treatment:
"I am not ready to eat lunch yet."
"It feels like my heart is racing."
"It is easier to breathe now."
"I can breathe better now."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: "I am not ready to eat lunch yet." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. Albuterol does not affect the appetite or the digestion directly, but it may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or dry mouth, which may reduce the desire to eat. The nurse should respect the patient's preference and offer them food later when they are ready.
Choice B reason: "It feels like my heart is racing." is a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, but it also stimulates the beta receptors in the heart, which can increase the heart rate and the blood pressure¹. This can cause side effects such as palpitations, chest pain, or arrhythmias, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions or those who take other medications that affect the heart. The nurse should monitor the patient's vital signs, report the finding to the prescriber, and prepare to administer interventions such as betablockers or calcium channel blockers to lower the heart rate and prevent complications.
Choice C reason: "It is easier to breathe now." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. This is the expected and desired outcome of the Albuterol nebulizer treatment, which indicates that the medication is effective and the patient is responding well. The nurse should document the patient's response and continue to assess the patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation.
Choice D reason: "I can breathe better now." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. This is the expected and desired outcome of the Albuterol nebulizer treatment, which indicates that the medication is effective and the patient is responding well. The nurse should document the patient's response and continue to assess the patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. SQ (subcutaneous) administration involves injecting a drug into the fatty tissue under the skin. This route is slower than IV or IM administration, as the drug has to diffuse through the tissue before reaching the bloodstream.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. PO (by mouth) administration involves swallowing a drug and absorbing it through the digestive system. This route is the slowest of all, as the drug has to pass through the stomach and the liver before reaching the bloodstream. The drug may also be affected by the first pass effect, which reduces its bioavailability.
Choice C reason: This is correct. IV (intravenous) administration involves injecting a drug directly into a vein. This route is the fastest of all, as the drug enters the bloodstream immediately and reaches the target site quickly. The drug also has 100% bioavailability, meaning none of it is lost or degraded.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. IM (intramuscular) administration involves injecting a drug into a muscle. This route is faster than SQ or PO administration, as the drug can be absorbed by the capillaries in the muscle. However, it is still slower than IV administration, as the drug has to cross the muscle membrane before reaching the bloodstream.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering the medication with meals only is not a valid adjustment for a medication that is primarily excreted by the kidneys. The food intake does not affect the renal clearance of the drug, unless it alters the pH of the urine or the blood flow to the kidneys. The nurse should follow the instructions on the medication label or the prescriber's order regarding the timing of the administration.
Choice B reason: No dose adjustment is required is an incorrect statement for a medication that is primarily excreted by the kidneys. The renal impairment can reduce the elimination of the drug and increase its concentration in the blood. This can cause adverse effects and toxicity. The nurse should consult with the prescriber or the pharmacist about the appropriate dose reduction or frequency change for the patient's level of renal function.
Choice C reason: Increasing the dose to ensure therapeutic effect is a dangerous and inappropriate adjustment for a medication that is primarily excreted by the kidneys. The renal impairment can reduce the elimination of the drug and increase its concentration in the blood. This can cause adverse effects and toxicity. The nurse should not increase the dose without the prescriber's order and should monitor the patient for signs of overdose or toxicity.
Choice D reason: Decreasing the dose to prevent toxicity is the correct and rational adjustment for a medication that is primarily excreted by the kidneys. The renal impairment can reduce the elimination of the drug and increase its concentration in the blood. This can cause adverse effects and toxicity. The nurse should consult with the prescriber or the pharmacist about the appropriate dose reduction or frequency change for the patient's level of renal function. The nurse should also monitor the patient for the therapeutic response and the adverse effects of the drug.
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