A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports increased shortness of breath with activity.
Which test should the nurse schedule the client for evaluation of the symptoms?

H.

Choice A rationale

Monitoring the oxygen saturation is an important nursing intervention following the administration of albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should improve oxygen saturation by increasing airflow and oxygen delivery.

Choice B rationale

Deep tracheal suctioning is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient has excessive secretions or difficulty clearing secretions.

Choice C rationale

Discussing potential asthma triggers with the client is an important nursing intervention. Understanding and avoiding triggers can help prevent future asthma exacerbations.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining a sputum culture is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless there is a suspicion of a respiratory infection.

Choice E rationale

Positive pressure ventilation is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient is in severe respiratory distress.

Choice F rationale

Allowing the client to take a position of comfort can help improve breathing and should be encouraged.

Choice G rationale

Discussing aggressive respiratory treatment options is not typically required following the administration of albuterol unless the patient’s condition is not improving or worsening.

Choice H rationale

Weaning the supplemental oxygen may be appropriate following the administration of albuterol if the patient’s oxygen saturation has improved.

Choice A rationale

Using the inhaler only when the patient is really short of breath is not an incorrect use of the inhaler. However, it might indicate that the patient is not managing their COPD effectively, as rescue inhalers like albuterol are meant to be used for quick relief of acute symptoms.

Choice B rationale

Having a hard time inhaling and holding the breath after squeezing the inhaler might suggest that the patient is not using the inhaler correctly. However, the patient’s statement that they “do their best” suggests that they are aware of the correct technique and are trying to follow it.

Choice C rationale

Swallowing after squeezing the inhaler is a clear indication of incorrect use. The medication from the inhaler is meant to be inhaled into the lungs, not swallowed. Swallowing the medication would lead to less of it reaching the lungs, reducing its effectiveness. The wave of nausea the patient experiences could be a side effect of swallowing the medication.

Choice D rationale

Shaking the inhaler several times before starting is actually part of the correct technique for using many types of inhalers.