A client with asthma is given a prescription for albuterol (a bronchodilator). The nurse should teach the client that this medication:
is given to suppress the cough.
should be taken for long-term maintenance of asthma.
is given as a rescue inhaler for acute episodes.
is given to prevent post-tussive emesis.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Albuterol is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Its primary action is bronchodilation by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, leading to relaxation and widening of the airways. It does not directly suppress the cough reflex, which is a protective mechanism to clear airways. Cough suppression is typically achieved by antitussive medications acting on the central nervous system or peripheral cough receptors.
Choice B rationale
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), characterized by a rapid onset of action and relatively short duration (4-6 hours). Therefore, it is used for immediate relief of bronchospasm and acute symptoms of asthma, not for long-term daily maintenance. Long-term maintenance medications include inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) used consistently to control inflammation and prevent exacerbations.
Choice C rationale
Albuterol's rapid onset of action and potent bronchodilatory effects make it the ideal medication for acute relief of bronchospasm in asthma. It is used as a "rescue" inhaler to quickly open airways during an asthma attack or before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. This immediate effect is crucial for alleviating respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
Post-tussive emesis, or vomiting after coughing, is often a symptom of severe coughing spells. While albuterol can alleviate coughing by reducing bronchospasm, its primary mechanism is not to prevent emesis directly. Emesis is a gastrointestinal reflex; albuterol's action is primarily on the respiratory system. Addressing the underlying cause of severe coughing would indirectly reduce emesis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Orientation to person, place, and time is a fundamental component of cognitive assessment, indicating intact neurological function. Knowing one's full name demonstrates personal orientation. Recognizing the hospital and its location signifies place orientation. Providing the correct month and year, even without the exact day, suggests a reasonable grasp of temporal orientation, reflecting adequate higher cortical processing.
Choice B rationale
The inability to state one's location and an incorrect year indicate significant deficits in both place and time orientation. This suggests impaired cognitive function, potentially due to delirium, dementia, or other neurological issues affecting memory and executive functions. Such a response would warrant further comprehensive cognitive evaluation.
Choice C rationale
While knowing one's name indicates personal orientation, confusion about the date points to a deficit in time orientation. This partial disorientation suggests some level of cognitive impairment, necessitating further assessment to determine the underlying cause and extent of the confusion.
Choice D rationale
Hesitation regarding location and complete inability to state the date demonstrate significant disorientation to both place and time. This pattern of response is indicative of impaired cognitive function and necessitates a thorough neurological and cognitive workup to identify potential etiologies.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A standing order is a pre-written medication order and protocol that applies to a specific patient population or clinical situation, allowing nurses to initiate treatment without immediate physician consultation. While it provides a framework, a daily medication is more specifically classified by its regular administration schedule, distinguishing it from general standing orders.
Choice B rationale
A routine order signifies a medication order that is carried out as prescribed until a discontinuation order or change is made. The medication is given on a regular, scheduled basis, often daily, multiple times a day, or weekly. This ensures consistent therapeutic levels for chronic conditions. Lasix 40 mg PO daily fits this description, as it is given consistently each day.
Choice C rationale
A STAT order (statim) means "immediately" and indicates that the medication must be administered as soon as possible, typically within 30 minutes of the order. This type of order is reserved for urgent situations where delay could significantly impact patient outcomes. Lasix ordered daily does not fall into this urgent category.
Choice D rationale
A PRN order (pro re nata) means "as needed.”. This type of order allows the nurse to administer medication based on the patient's symptoms or specific criteria rather than on a fixed schedule. Since Lasix is ordered "daily," it implies a fixed schedule, not an "as needed" administration.
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.