A patient admitted to the medical-surgical floor has a history of end-stage COPD. The patient was admitted with the diagnosis of “Exacerbation of COPD”.
Which prescription would the RN not question as it relates to this patient’s treatment regimen?
“02 @ 2L NC and titrate to keep SPO2 approximately 88-92%”
“Prednisone 20 mg PO daily for one year”
“Albuterol nebulizer treatment q 1 hour prn respiratory distress”
“Cromolyn 20 mg inhaled via nebulization QID”
The Correct Answer is C
A. "O2 @ 2L NC and titrate to keep SPO2 approximately 88-92%"
While oxygen therapy is essential in COPD exacerbation, the specific target range may vary based on the patient's condition and arterial blood gas values. The nurse may need to assess the patient's response and adjust oxygen accordingly.
B. "Prednisone 20 mg PO daily for one year"
Prescribing prednisone at a dose of 20 mg PO daily for one year seems unusual for the treatment of a COPD exacerbation. Steroid therapy is commonly used in exacerbations, but the duration and dose may vary. This prescription may need clarification.
C. "Albuterol nebulizer treatment q 1 hour prn respiratory distress"
This prescription is consistent with the management of an exacerbation of COPD. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator that is commonly used in the treatment of acute respiratory distress in patients with COPD. The "q 1 hour prn respiratory distress" indicates that the medication can be administered every 1 hour as needed for relief of respiratory distress during the exacerbation.
D. "Cromolyn 20 mg inhaled via nebulization QID"
Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer and is not typically a first-line medication for the treatment of COPD exacerbation. This prescription may warrant clarification, especially in the context of an acute exacerbation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. Chest X-rays
Chest X-rays are imaging tests that provide detailed pictures of the inside of the chest, including the heart, lungs, and other structures. They are noninvasive as they do not involve any penetration or insertion into the body.
B. Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It provides information about the structure and function of the heart without the need for invasive procedures.
C. Pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that assess the function of the lungs. They include various breathing exercises and measurements to evaluate lung capacity and respiratory function.
D. Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure that involves the insertion of a catheter into the heart. It is not considered noninvasive.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Incorrect. Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug and an immunosuppressant but not an antibiotic. It inhibits the metabolism of folic acid, which is necessary for cell replication, but it does not have antibiotic properties.
Choice B rationale: Incorrect. Antiestrogens are a class of drugs used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer by blocking the effects of estrogen. They are not antibiotics and do not have antimicrobial properties.
Choice C rationale: Incorrect. Corticosteroids are used in cancer treatment primarily to reduce inflammation and manage side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and allergic reactions. They have immunosuppressive properties but are not antibiotics.
Choice D rationale: Correct. Doxorubicin (Doxil) is an antitumor drug that also has antibiotic properties. It belongs to the anthracycline class of chemotherapy drugs and works by intercalating DNA, disrupting the replication and transcription processes, leading to cell death. Doxorubicin was originally derived from the bacterium Streptomyces peucetius, which imparts its antibiotic properties.
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