A nurse is caring for a client who asks how albuterol helps his breathing. Which of the following responses should the nurse make? (Select all that apply.)
The medication will prevent wheezing.
The medication will decrease coughing episodes.
The medication will reduce inflammation.
The medication will open the airways.
The medication will stimulate flow of mucus.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Answer: A, B D
Rationale:
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Albuterol is a bronchodilator, and one of its key effects is to relax the muscles around the airways, which helps prevent wheezing. Wheezing is often caused by narrowed airways, and by opening them, albuterol helps to prevent this sound, which is associated with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
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B. The medication will decrease coughing episodes:
Albuterol can help decrease coughing in individuals with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing the muscles in the airways, which reduces airway constriction. Since coughing often occurs due to airway obstruction, albuterol’s bronchodilator effect can help alleviate this symptom. -
C. The medication will reduce inflammation: Albuterol does not have anti-inflammatory properties. Its primary mechanism is bronchodilation, and anti-inflammatory treatment generally requires corticosteroids, not beta-agonists like albuterol.
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D. The medication will open the airways:
This is correct. Albuterol works as a bronchodilator, meaning it opens up the airways by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding them. This improves airflow and makes breathing easier, which is why it is often used in conditions like asthma or COPD. -
E. The medication will stimulate flow of mucus: Albuterol does not stimulate mucus production; it primarily works by relaxing the airways. However, by improving airflow, it can help clients more effectively expel mucus through coughing.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps clients with COPD to exhale more effectively and prevent air trapping in the lungs. It also reduces dyspnea and improves oxygenation.
a) A low protein diet is not recommended for clients with COPD, as they need adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass and prevent malnutrition.
c) Fluid restriction is not necessary for clients with COPD, unless they have signs of fluid overload or heart failure. Adequate hydration helps to thin secretions and facilitate expectoration.
d) Early-morning hours are not the best time for exercise and activity for clients with COPD, as they may experience more shortness of breath and fatigue due to diurnal variations in lung function. A better time would be mid-morning or afternoon, after taking bronchodilators and clearing secretions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Intercostal retractions, or the inward movement of the chest wall between the ribs, are a sign of respiratory distress and hypoxia. They indicate increased work of breathing and reduced lung expansion, which are common in clients who have postoperative atelectasis. Atelectasis is a collapse of alveoli in a part of the lung, which impairs gas exchange and oxygenation.
a) Lethargy, or a state of reduced mental alertness and energy, is not a typical manifestation of hypoxia. It can be caused by other factors, such as pain, medication, infection, or electrolyte imbalance. Hypoxia usually causes restlessness, anxiety, or confusion.
b) Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a typical manifestation of hypoxia. It can be caused by other factors, such as medication, vagal stimulation, or heart block. Hypoxia usually causes tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, as the body tries to compensate for the low oxygen level.
d) Bradypnea, or a slow respiratory rate, is not a typical manifestation of hypoxia. It can be caused by other factors, such as medication, brain injury, or metabolic alkalosis. Hypoxia usually causes tachypnea, or a fast respiratory rate, as the body tries to increase oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination.
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