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 A
Explanation
Given:
Volume of fluid: 2500 mL
Infusion time: 8 hours
Drop factor: 15 gtt/mL
Formula:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (Volume (mL) / Time (hr)) x Drop factor (gtt/mL) / 60 min/hr
Step 1: Calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr:
Infusion rate (mL/hr) = Volume (mL) / Time (hr)
Infusion rate (mL/hr) = 2500 mL / 8 hr
Infusion rate (mL/hr) = 312.5 mL/hr
Step 2: Calculate the flow rate in gtt/min:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (Infusion rate (mL/hr) x Drop factor (gtt/mL)) / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (312.5 mL/hr x 15 gtt/mL) / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 4687.5 gtt/hr / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 78.125 gtt/min
Step 3: Round to the nearest whole number:
Flow rate (gtt/min) ≈ 78 gtt/min
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a common symptom of digoxin toxicity. It occurs as a result of the toxic effects of digoxin on the gastrointestinal system. It is often one of the first symptoms that precede more severe signs of toxicity, such as arrhythmias and changes in vision. Vomiting, nausea, and anorexia are classic early signs of digoxin toxicity.
B) Nausea:
Nausea is another early sign of digoxin toxicity. It occurs due to the direct effects of the drug on the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Along with vomiting, nausea is a frequently observed symptom and often occurs before more severe manifestations like arrhythmias or confusion.
C) Blurred Vision:
Blurred vision, or seeing yellow or green halos around lights, is a hallmark sign of digoxin toxicity. This visual disturbance occurs due to the effect of digoxin on the optic nerve and the retina. This symptom is particularly important in identifying digoxin toxicity, as it is not commonly seen in other conditions.
D) Headache:
While headache may occur in a variety of clinical conditions, it is not typically a direct symptom of digoxin toxicity. Although some patients may experience headache due to general discomfort or the effects of vomiting and nausea, it is not a classic or primary indicator of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, headache is not as strongly associated with digoxin toxicity as vomiting, nausea, and blurred vision are.
E) Muscle aches:
Muscle aches are not a typical symptom of digoxin toxicity. While generalized weakness may occur due to the cardiac effects of digoxin, muscle aches are not specifically associated with toxicity.
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