A patient is receiving linezolid IV for nosocomial pneumonia.
Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

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.

H.

Choice A rationale

While albuterol can cause an increase in heart rate due to its beta-agonist effects, it is not the primary assessment following administration. The main goal of albuterol treatment is to improve respiratory function.

Choice B rationale

Breath sounds are a primary assessment following albuterol administration. Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should improve breath sounds by reducing bronchospasm and increasing airflow.

Choice C rationale

Serum sodium levels are not directly affected by albuterol and therefore are not a primary assessment following its administration.

Choice D rationale

A complete blood count is not directly affected by albuterol and therefore is not a primary assessment following its administration.

Choice E rationale

Oxygen saturation is a primary assessment following albuterol administration. Albuterol should improve oxygen saturation by increasing airflow and oxygen delivery.

Choice F rationale

Peak inspiratory flow is not typically assessed after albuterol administration. Albuterol primarily affects expiratory flow by reducing bronchospasm.

Choice G rationale

Temperature is not directly affected by albuterol and therefore is not a primary assessment following its administration.

Choice H rationale

Peak expiratory flow is a primary assessment following albuterol administration. Albuterol is a bronchodilator and should improve peak expiratory flow by reducing bronchospasm.