A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a new prescription for an ipratropium inhaler. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed?
Rinses the mouth after each use.
Stores the medication at room temperature.
Attaches a spacer device to the inhaler.
Primes the inhaler with 7 pumps.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Rinsing the mouth after each use of an inhaler is a recommended practice, especially for inhalers containing corticosteroids, to prevent oral thrush and other side effects. Although ipratropium is not a corticosteroid, rinsing the mouth can still help reduce any potential irritation or unpleasant taste.
Choice B reason:
Storing the medication at room temperature is appropriate for most inhalers, including ipratropium2. This ensures the medication remains effective and safe to use. It is important to keep the inhaler away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
Choice C reason:
Attaching a spacer device to the inhaler can be beneficial, especially for patients who have difficulty coordinating the timing of inhalation with the activation of the inhaler. A spacer helps ensure that more medication reaches the lungs rather than being deposited in the mouth or throat.
Choice D reason:
Priming the inhaler with 7 pumps is excessive. Typically, ipratropium inhalers require priming with only 2 to 4 sprays before the first use or if the inhaler has not been used for a few days. Over-priming can waste medication and may indicate that the client needs additional instruction on proper inhaler use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic often prescribed for heart failure. While monitoring for side effects is important, excessive bruising is not a common side effect of spironolactone. Bruising might be more relevant for patients on anticoagulants or those with clotting disorders.
Choice B Reason:
Replacing salt with a salt substitute is not advisable for patients on spironolactone. Many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can lead to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) when combined with spironolactone. Hyperkalemia can cause serious cardiac issues, including arrhythmias.
Choice C Reason:
Covering the skin before going outside is not specifically related to the use of spironolactone. This advice might be more relevant for medications that cause photosensitivity, such as certain antibiotics or diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, but not spironolactone.
Choice D Reason:
Limiting the intake of foods high in potassium is crucial for patients taking spironolactone. Spironolactone can increase potassium levels in the blood, and consuming high-potassium foods (like bananas, oranges, and potatoes) can exacerbate this effect, leading to hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can be dangerous and cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing the new patch on the client’s shoulder and leaving both patches in place for 12 hours is not recommended. Fentanyl patches are designed to be used one at a time, and overlapping patches can lead to an overdose due to excessive absorption of the medication1. The standard practice is to remove the old patch before applying a new one.
Choice B reason:
Removing the patch and consulting with the healthcare provider about the client’s pain resolution is a cautious approach. However, it is not necessary to consult the healthcare provider if the client denies pain and the patch is due for replacement. The nurse should follow the standard protocol for patch replacement.
Choice C reason:
Applying the new patch in a different location after removing the original patch is the correct action. This ensures that the medication is delivered effectively while preventing skin irritation and potential overdose. The new patch should be placed on a different area of intact skin to allow the previous site to recover.
Choice D reason:
Administering an oral analgesic and evaluating its effectiveness before applying the new patch is not appropriate in this scenario. The client is already receiving pain management through the transdermal patch, and additional oral analgesics are not necessary unless there is breakthrough pain. The focus should be on proper patch replacement
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