A patient with type 1 diabetes was prescribed a glucocorticoid for COPD. Which will the nurse expect in this patient?

Choice A reason: The patient should not use the glucocorticoid as needed when symptoms flare. The glucocorticoid is a long-term controller medication that reduces inflammation and prevents exacerbations of COPD. It should be used regularly as prescribed, not as a rescue medication.

Choice B reason: The patient does not need to use the beta2-adrenergic agonist drug daily even when they don't have any symptoms. The beta2-adrenergic agonist is a short-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and improves airflow. It should be used as needed for relief of acute symptoms, not as a maintenance medication.

Choice C reason: The beta2-adrenergic agonist does not suppress the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. The beta2-adrenergic agonist is a bronchodilator that acts on the beta2 receptors of the airways and causes relaxation of the smooth muscles. It does not have any anti-inflammatory effects.

Choice D reason: The glucocorticoid is used as prophylaxis to prevent exacerbations every day. This is the correct statement that indicates understanding of this medication regimen. The glucocorticoid is a long-term controller medication that reduces inflammation and prevents exacerbations of COPD. It should be used regularly as prescribed, along with the beta2-adrenergic agonist as needed for relief of acute symptoms.

Choice A reason: This is not the definition of ejection fraction. The percentage of blood that leaves the heart in a minute is related to the cardiac output, which is the product of the heart rate and the stroke volume.

Choice B reason: This is the correct definition of ejection fraction. It is the ratio of the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle) to the end-diastolic volume (the amount of blood in the left ventricle at the end of diastole). It is a measure of the efficiency of the heart and reflects the contractility of the cardiac muscle.

Choice C reason: This is not the definition of ejection fraction. The amount of blood that leaves the heart with each beat is the stroke volume, which is one of the factors that determine the ejection fraction.

Choice D reason: This is not the definition of ejection fraction. The amount of blood that leaves the heart in a minute is the cardiac output, which is influenced by the ejection fraction, but not equivalent to it.