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) High protein diet:
A high-protein diet is generally not a recommended nonpharmacological treatment for heart failure. While adequate protein intake is important for overall health, heart failure management typically focuses more on regulating sodium, fluid, and caloric intake. In some cases, a high-protein diet could place additional strain on the kidneys or exacerbate other conditions that may complicate heart failure.
B) Limit salt intake:
Limiting salt (sodium) intake is a crucial nonpharmacological strategy in managing heart failure. Excessive sodium can cause the body to retain water, leading to fluid overload, which can worsen heart failure symptoms such as edema, shortness of breath, and elevated blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake helps prevent these complications and aids in controlling symptoms.
C) 50 pound weight loss:
While weight loss may be beneficial for some individuals, especially those who are obese, a sudden or extreme weight loss of 50 pounds is not typically advised for someone with heart failure unless supervised by a healthcare provider. Rapid weight loss can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, which may exacerbate heart failure symptoms.
D) Decrease Water intake:
While fluid restriction may be necessary for some individuals, especially those with severe fluid retention or in advanced stages of heart failure, it is not a blanket recommendation. The approach to fluid intake should be based on the individual’s condition, including factors such as kidney function and the presence of edema.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Infections become resistant to high doses of antibiotics:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that has become resistant to the antibiotic methicillin, as well as other beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin and cephalosporins). Over time, bacteria can develop resistance mechanisms, often as a result of antibiotic misuse or overuse, such as not completing a full course of treatment or using antibiotics unnecessarily. MRSA, in particular, can grow resistant to higher and higher doses of standard antibiotics, making treatment more challenging.
B) Antibiotic dosages below the minimum concentration are prescribed:
Antibiotic dosages should always be prescribed at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), which is the lowest concentration of the drug that can inhibit bacterial growth. Prescribing antibiotics below this concentration would not be effective in treating the infection and could contribute to antibiotic resistance.
C) Antibiotics are prescribed only when a viral infection is present:
Antibiotics, including those prescribed for MRSA, are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. For viral infections (such as the flu or common cold), antibiotics should not be used, as they are ineffective. MRSA is a bacterial infection, and it requires appropriate antibiotic therapy specifically targeted to the bacteria, not a viral infection.
D) Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used whenever possible:
While broad-spectrum antibiotics are sometimes used in initial treatments when the specific bacterial pathogen is unknown, their overuse can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. In the case of MRSA, a more targeted approach with antibiotics specifically effective against resistant strains (like vancomycin or clindamycin) is preferred.
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