Order: Prednisone 7.5 mg PO QID Available: Prednisone 2.5 mg tabs How much will you administer?

A. Steroid inhalers are typically used as maintenance therapy and are not intended for as-needed (PRN) use. Patients should use them regularly as prescribed to manage their underlying condition, such as asthma or COPD.
B. Patients using steroid inhalers are at risk for oral thrush (fungal infection) due to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids. Frequent oral hygiene helps prevent this side effect by keeping the mouth clean and reducing fungal growth.
C. Rinsing the mouth and spitting after using a steroid inhaler helps to remove residual medication from the oral cavity, further reducing the risk of oral thrush and other side effects associated with steroid use.
D. When both types of inhalers are used, the bronchodilator should be taken first. This opens the airways and allows for better penetration and effectiveness of the steroid medication that follows.
E. Holding the breath after inhalation allows the medication to settle in the lungs, improving its effectiveness. A 10-second hold is generally recommended to maximize drug delivery to the airways.

A. While suctioning may be needed if the patient has excessive secretions or difficulty breathing, it should not be done frequently without indications. Routine suctioning could irritate the throat and is not typically required after a bronchoscopy unless specific issues arise.
B. After a bronchoscopy, patients may have a diminished gag reflex due to sedation or irritation of the throat. Withholding food and liquids until the gag reflex returns is critical to prevent aspiration and ensure that the patient can safely swallow without choking.
C. While it may be advisable to limit talking for a short period post-procedure to prevent throat irritation, requiring the client to refrain from talking for 24 hours is excessive. Patients should be encouraged to speak as tolerated.
D. Irrigating the throat post-bronchoscopy is not a standard practice and could further irritate the area or lead to complications. Patients typically do not require routine irrigation after the procedure unless specifically indicated for a medical reason.