The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with asthma on a medical surgical unit. The nurse is concerned when the patient makes the following statement after completing their Albuterol nebulizer treatment:
"I am not ready to eat lunch yet."
"It feels like my heart is racing."
"It is easier to breathe now."
"I can breathe better now."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: "I am not ready to eat lunch yet." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. Albuterol does not affect the appetite or the digestion directly, but it may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or dry mouth, which may reduce the desire to eat. The nurse should respect the patient's preference and offer them food later when they are ready.
Choice B reason: "It feels like my heart is racing." is a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, but it also stimulates the beta receptors in the heart, which can increase the heart rate and the blood pressure¹. This can cause side effects such as palpitations, chest pain, or arrhythmias, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions or those who take other medications that affect the heart. The nurse should monitor the patient's vital signs, report the finding to the prescriber, and prepare to administer interventions such as betablockers or calcium channel blockers to lower the heart rate and prevent complications.
Choice C reason: "It is easier to breathe now." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. This is the expected and desired outcome of the Albuterol nebulizer treatment, which indicates that the medication is effective and the patient is responding well. The nurse should document the patient's response and continue to assess the patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation.
Choice D reason: "I can breathe better now." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. This is the expected and desired outcome of the Albuterol nebulizer treatment, which indicates that the medication is effective and the patient is responding well. The nurse should document the patient's response and continue to assess the patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vasodilation is not the primary therapeutic effect of atropine in this scenario. Atropine is a medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Atropine can cause vasodilation by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors on the blood vessels, which normally cause vasoconstriction. However, this effect is not significant or consistent, and it does not improve the symptoms of bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate that can cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure and the peripheral pulses of the patient after administering atropine.
Choice B reason: Bronchodilation is not the primary therapeutic effect of atropine in this scenario. Atropine is a medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Atropine can cause bronchodilation by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors on the bronchial smooth muscle, which normally cause bronchoconstriction. However, this effect is not relevant or beneficial for the patient with symptomatic bradycardia, who does not have any respiratory problems. The nurse should assess the respiratory rate and the breath sounds of the patient after administering atropine.
Choice C reason: Increase in heart rate is the primary therapeutic effect of atropine in this scenario. Atropine is a medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Atropine can increase the heart rate by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors on the sinoatrial node and the atrioventricular node, which normally slow down the heart rate. This effect is desirable and beneficial for the patient with symptomatic bradycardia, who has a slow heart rate that can cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting. The nurse should monitor the electrocardiogram and the heart rate of the patient after administering atropine.
Choice D reason: Diuresis is not the primary therapeutic effect of atropine in this scenario. Atropine is a medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Atropine can cause diuresis by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors on the bladder, which normally promote urination. However, this effect is not important or helpful for the patient with symptomatic bradycardia, who does not have any urinary problems. The nurse should measure the urine output and the specific gravity of the patient after administering atropine.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Increased respiratory rate is not a sign of adverse reaction to metoprolol, but rather a normal response to hypoxia or distress. Metoprolol is a betablocker that can lower the heart rate and blood pressure, but it does not affect the respiratory rate directly.
Choice B reason: Bronchodilation is not a sign of adverse reaction to metoprolol, but rather a desired effect of asthma medications such as betaagonists or anticholinergics. Metoprolol is a betablocker that can block the beta receptors in the lungs, which can cause bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways. This is why metoprolol is contraindicated or used with caution in clients with asthma.
Choice C reason: Decreased sputum production is not a sign of adverse reaction to metoprolol, but rather a result of effective asthma management. Metoprolol is a betablocker that does not have any direct effect on the mucus secretion or inflammation in the lungs.
Choice D reason: Wheezing is a sign of adverse reaction to metoprolol, as it indicates bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways. Metoprolol is a betablocker that can block the beta receptors in the lungs, which can reduce the bronchodilation effect of beta agonists or other asthma medications. This can worsen the asthma symptoms and cause wheezing, coughing, dyspnea, or chest tightness. The nurse should monitor the client for these signs and report them to the prescriber immediately.
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