A patient is receiving a glucocorticoid medication to treat an exacerbation of COPD and the provider has ordered a slow taper in order to discontinue this medication. The nurse explains to the patient that this is done to prevent which condition?

A. Epinephrine

Epinephrine is a bronchodilator that can be used in emergencies to treat acute bronchospasm. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways and can be administered via inhalation or injection. However, it is not typically the first-line treatment for COPD, and other bronchodilators are often preferred.

B. Montelukast (Singulair)

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for the long-term control and prevention of symptoms in conditions like asthma, but it is not typically used for acute bronchospasm. It is more commonly used for maintenance therapy to prevent exacerbations.

C. Theophylline

Theophylline is a bronchodilator that can be used to treat acute bronchospasm in COPD. However, it is not commonly used as a first-line treatment due to its narrow therapeutic range and potential for side effects. It may be considered in certain cases when other bronchodilators are not well-tolerated or effective.

D. Tiotropium Bromide (Spiriva)

Tiotropium bromide is a long-acting antimuscarinic bronchodilator used for the long-term maintenance treatment of COPD. It is not typically prescribed for the treatment of acute bronchospasm but rather for the prevention of symptoms over the long term.

A. "My provider will prescribe prophylactic antibiotics."

While antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a bacterial infection or exacerbation, they are not typically used prophylactically in all cases of mild emphysema.

B. "My condition is reversible with proper medications."

Emphysema is a chronic and typically irreversible condition. While medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, they do not generally reverse the damage caused by emphysema.

C. "I should use albuterol (Proventil) when my symptoms worsen."

Albuterol (Proventil) is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator, and it is commonly used as a rescue inhaler to provide quick relief of symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with conditions like emphysema. Using albuterol as needed during symptom exacerbations aligns with appropriate management of mild emphysema.

D. "I will need to take oral prednisone on a daily basis."

Daily use of oral prednisone is not a standard treatment for mild emphysema. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may be used in certain situations, such as during exacerbations, but its long-term use carries potential risks and is generally avoided unless necessary.