A client with asthma is given a prescription for albuterol (a bronchodilator). The nurse should teach the client that this medication:

Choice A rationale

Assessing the client's skin for breakdown is important in general patient care, especially for immobile patients, but it is not a priority assessment directly related to the immediate physiological effects of administering an opioid analgesic like morphine. Skin integrity issues are typically a long-term complication.

Choice B rationale

Morphine, an opioid agonist, binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, including the brainstem respiratory centers. This binding causes dose-dependent respiratory depression by decreasing the sensitivity of these centers to carbon dioxide, leading to reduced respiratory rate and depth. Normal respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths/min.

Choice C rationale

Opioids can cause urinary retention by increasing bladder sphincter tone and reducing detrusor muscle contractility, thereby impairing bladder emptying. While monitoring urinary output is important, respiratory depression is a more immediate and life-threatening adverse effect of opioid administration. Normal urinary output is 30-50 mL/hour.

Choice D rationale

Opioids commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects, including decreased gut motility, leading to constipation and reduced bowel sounds. While assessing abdominal sounds is relevant to monitor for ileus, respiratory depression poses a more acute and significant risk to patient safety following opioid administration.

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.