Which medication should the nurse anticipate being used first in the emergency department for relief of severe respiratory distress related to asthma?
Albuterol nebulizer
Prednisone orally
Ipratopium inhaler
Fluticasone inhaler
The Correct Answer is A
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator that provides rapid relief of bronchospasm and helps to alleviate the symptoms of respiratory distress in asthma. It acts quickly to relax the smooth muscles in the airways, improving airflow and relieving wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. In an acute asthma exacerbation, albuterol is often the first-line medication used to provide immediate relief and improve respiratory function. Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory effects and is commonly used in the treatment of asthma. However, it is typically administered orally and takes time to exert its effects. In the emergency department setting, the focus is on providing immediate relief of symptoms, and oral medications like prednisone may not have an immediate effect. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that can be administered via inhalation. While it is effective in relieving bronchospasm, it is generally used as an adjunct to albuterol and not typically the first-line medication for severe respiratory distress in asthma. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory effects and is used for long-term management and control of asthma. It is not appropriate for immediate relief of severe respiratory distress and is not typically used as a first-line medication in the emergency department.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Aminophylline is a bronchodilator that belongs to the xanthine derivative class of medications. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial airways, which leads to bronchodilation. By dilating the airways, aminophylline helps to relieve bronchospasm, improve airflow, and facilitate easier breathing.
Prevent Infection: Aminophylline is not an antimicrobial medication, and its primary action is not related to preventing or treating infections.
Suppress the cough: While aminophylline may have some antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects, its primary action is bronchodilation rather than directly suppressing the cough reflex. Promote Expectoration: Aminophylline is not primarily indicated for promoting expectoration (bringing up mucus). It mainly focuses on bronchodilation to improve airflow and relieve bronchospasm.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Chemotherapy is a treatment modality used to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. It works by interfering with the cell division process, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. However, it is important to note that chemotherapy drugs can also affect normal, healthy cells in the body that undergo rapid division, such as cells in the bone marrow, hair follicles, and gastrointestinal lining. This is why chemotherapy can be associated with side effects like bone marrow suppression, hair loss, and gastrointestinal disturbances. While the molecular structure of DNA can be altered by certain chemotherapeutic drugs, this explanation is not comprehensive enough to encompass the overall mechanism of action of chemotherapy.
The statement that "cancer cells are susceptible to drug toxins" is partially true, as cancer cells are generally more vulnerable to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs compared to normal cells.
Chemotherapy aims to disrupt the division and growth of cancer cells rather than promoting their division.
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