The nurse is educating a patient about the use of a beta blocker to control their blood pressure. Which medication below would be considered a beta blocker?

Given:
Volume of fluid: 50 mL (DSW) + 10 mL (for reconstitution) = 60 mL
Infusion time: 45 minutes
Drop factor: 10 gtt/mL

Formula:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (Volume (mL) / Time (min)) x Drop factor (gtt/mL)

Step 1: Calculate the infusion rate in mL/min:
Infusion rate (mL/min) = Volume (mL) / Time (min)
Infusion rate (mL/min) = 60 mL / 45 min
Infusion rate (mL/min) = 1.33 mL/min

Step 2: Calculate the flow rate in gtt/min:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = Infusion rate (mL/min) x Drop factor (gtt/mL)
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 1.33 mL/min x 10 gtt/mL
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 13.3 gtt/min

Step 3: Round to the nearest whole number:
Flow rate (gtt/min) ≈ 13 gtt/min

A) Prevent respiratory infections:
Albuterol does not prevent respiratory infections. It is a bronchodilator, which means it works to relax and open the airways, improving airflow during episodes of bronchospasm (such as during an asthma attack or exacerbation of COPD). Respiratory infections are usually managed by other types of medications, such as antibiotics or antivirals, depending on the type of infection.

B) Decrease mucus production in the lungs:
While albuterol may help improve breathing and airway function by dilating the airways, it does not directly decrease mucus production. Albuterol works to relieve bronchospasms (tightening of the muscles around the airways), making it easier to breathe, but it doesn’t target mucus production. Some other treatments, like mucolytics or expectorants, are more directly aimed at reducing mucus in the lungs.

C) Reduce inflammation in the airways:
Albuterol is not an anti-inflammatory medication. Its main role is as a bronchodilator, which works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, relieving bronchospasm. Inflammation in the airways is a key component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but albuterol does not directly reduce this inflammation. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are typically used to address inflammation in COPD.

D) Improve airflow and relieve bronchospasms:
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that works by relaxing the smooth muscles around the airways in the lungs, which helps open them up and improves airflow. This action provides quick relief from symptoms of bronchospasm, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, making it the most appropriate explanation for its use in COPD patients.