A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease asks the nurse what the albuterol he is taking does. The nurse should inform the patient that albuterol is used to
prevent respiratory infections
decrease mucus production in the lungs
reduce inflammation in the airways
Improve airflow and relieve bronchospasms
The Correct Answer is D
A) Prevent respiratory infections:
Albuterol does not prevent respiratory infections. It is a bronchodilator, which means it works to relax and open the airways, improving airflow during episodes of bronchospasm (such as during an asthma attack or exacerbation of COPD). Respiratory infections are usually managed by other types of medications, such as antibiotics or antivirals, depending on the type of infection.
B) Decrease mucus production in the lungs:
While albuterol may help improve breathing and airway function by dilating the airways, it does not directly decrease mucus production. Albuterol works to relieve bronchospasms (tightening of the muscles around the airways), making it easier to breathe, but it doesn’t target mucus production. Some other treatments, like mucolytics or expectorants, are more directly aimed at reducing mucus in the lungs.
C) Reduce inflammation in the airways:
Albuterol is not an anti-inflammatory medication. Its main role is as a bronchodilator, which works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, relieving bronchospasm. Inflammation in the airways is a key component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but albuterol does not directly reduce this inflammation. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are typically used to address inflammation in COPD.
D) Improve airflow and relieve bronchospasms:
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that works by relaxing the smooth muscles around the airways in the lungs, which helps open them up and improves airflow. This action provides quick relief from symptoms of bronchospasm, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, making it the most appropriate explanation for its use in COPD patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Cough:
Cough is more commonly associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril or lisinopril, rather than with beta blockers. ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. Beta blockers do not generally have a direct effect on causing cough, so this is not a typical side effect of beta blockers.
B) Hypotension:
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a common and well-documented side effect of beta blockers. Beta blockers, such as metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol, work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to a reduction in heart rate and the force of heart contractions, which can lower blood pressure. In patients with already low blood pressure or those receiving other antihypertensive medications, this effect may be more pronounced and could lead to symptomatic hypotension, such as dizziness or lightheadedness.
C) Anxiety:
Anxiety is not a common side effect of beta blockers. In fact, beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety, particularly for physical symptoms like palpitations and tremors. However, anxiety may worsen in some individuals due to other factors, such as the psychological impact of dealing with heart disease, but this is not a typical side effect of beta blockers.
D) Elevated heart rate:
Beta blockers work to decrease heart rate by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on beta-adrenergic receptors. This leads to a slower heart rate and reduced workload on the heart. Therefore, elevated heart rate is not a common side effect of beta blockers. In fact, if the heart rate becomes too low (bradycardia), this can be a concerning side effect, but it is the opposite of an elevated heart rate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Given:
Volume of fluid: 500 mL
Infusion time: 6 hours
Drop factor: 15 gtt/mL
Formula for mL/hr:
Flow rate (mL/hr) = Volume (mL) / Time (hr)
Step 1: Calculate the flow rate in mL/hr:
Flow rate (mL/hr) = 500 mL / 6 hr
Flow rate (mL/hr) = 83.33 mL/hr
Formula for gtt/min:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (Volume (mL) / Time (hr)) x Drop factor (gtt/mL) / 60 min/hr
Step 2: Calculate the flow rate in gtt/min:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (500 mL / 6 hr) x 15 gtt/mL / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 83.33 mL/hr x 15 gtt/mL / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 1250 gtt/hr / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 20.83 gtt/min
Step 3: Round to the nearest whole number:
Flow rate (mL/hr) ≈ 83 mL/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) ≈ 21 gtt/min
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.