An adult patient presents to the emergency department with complaints of shortness of breath and increased work of breathing.

Assessment

The patient is alert and oriented times 3, skin is pink, warm and dry. BP 148/88, T98, P92. R 24, pulse oximetry 91% on room air. Assessment of the lung reveals expiratory wheezing throughout the lung fields.

The physician orders an albuterol nebulizer. What assessments should the nurse plan to complete after administering the albuterol?

(Select All that Apply.)

A) Montelukast:
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms, but it is not typically used as a rescue medication to abort an ongoing asthma attack. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta agonists like albuterol.

B) Fluticasone:
Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used for the long-term control and management of asthma symptoms by reducing airway inflammation and preventing asthma exacerbations. It is not used as a rescue medication to abort an ongoing asthma attack but rather as a controller medication to prevent symptoms when used regularly over time.

C) Cromolyn:
Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer medication that is used for the prevention of asthma symptoms and exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is not typically used as a rescue medication to abort an ongoing asthma attack but rather as a controller medication to prevent symptoms when used regularly over time.

D) Albuterol.
Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist bronchodilator commonly used as a rescue or reliever medication for acute asthma symptoms or to abort an ongoing asthma attack. It works quickly to relax the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to rapid bronchodilation and relief of symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Albuterol is considered a first-line medication for relieving acute asthma symptoms and should be used as directed by a healthcare provider during an asthma exacerbation.

A) Stool softener:
Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium, work by adding moisture to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They do not directly stimulate bowel movements or peristalsis through irritation of the bowel lining.

B) Saline/osmotic laxative:
Saline or osmotic laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), work by drawing water into the intestines, which softens the stool and increases bowel motility. They do not primarily act by irritating the bowel lining.

C) Stimulant laxative.
Stimulant laxatives work by directly stimulating the nerves in the intestines, which increases the rhythmic contractions of the intestines (peristalsis) and promotes bowel movements. These medications irritate the bowel lining, leading to increased motility and expulsion of stool. Examples of stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl and senna.

D) Bulk-forming laxative:
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium and methylcellulose, work by increasing the bulk and water content of the stool, which stimulates bowel movements. They do not directly irritate the bowel lining to promote peristalsis. Instead, they absorb water and swell in the intestines, creating a larger, softer stool that is easier to pass.