Which medication is considered a “rescue inhaler”?

Glucocorticoid

Mast cell stabilizer

Mucolytic agent

Short-acting beta 2 agonist

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Glucocorticoid

Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory medications commonly used as long-term control medications in asthma management. They are not typically considered rescue inhalers. They work gradually over time to reduce inflammation and are not suitable for immediate relief during an acute asthma attack.

B. Mast cell stabilizer

Mast cell stabilizers are anti-inflammatory medications that work by preventing the release of inflammatory substances from mast cells. They are used as maintenance therapy to prevent asthma symptoms but are not rescue inhalers. They do not provide quick relief during acute episodes.

C. Mucolytic agent

Mucolytic agents are medications that help thin and loosen mucus in the airways. While they may be used to improve respiratory symptoms, they are not considered rescue inhalers. They do not provide rapid bronchodilation and are typically used for different purposes, such as addressing mucus production and clearance.

D. Short-acting beta 2 agonist

This is the correct answer. Short-acting beta 2 agonists (SABAs) are bronchodilators that provide quick relief during acute bronchoconstriction. They act by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, allowing for rapid dilation and improved airflow. SABAs are commonly used as rescue inhalers to alleviate symptoms during asthma attacks or sudden exacerbations.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Adrenocortical insufficiency

Tapering glucocorticoid medications is done to prevent adrenocortical insufficiency, also known as adrenal insufficiency or adrenal suppression. Prolonged use of glucocorticoids can suppress the natural production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Abrupt discontinuation of glucocorticoids can lead to adrenal insufficiency, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and potentially life-threatening complications.

B. Thyroid storm

Thyroid storm is a severe and life-threatening condition related to overactivity of the thyroid gland. It is not a consequence of tapering glucocorticoids.

C. Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a disorder characterized by the excessive production of growth hormone, often caused by a pituitary tumor. It is not related to glucocorticoid tapering.

D. Hypertensive crisis

Hypertensive crisis refers to a severe and abrupt increase in blood pressure. It is not a known consequence of tapering glucocorticoid medications.

A. Take this medication at bedtime because it causes drowsiness. B. This medication should only be used for asthma. C. Limit the use of this medication to 3 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion D. Stop this medication immediately.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Take this medication at bedtime because it causes drowsiness.

Oxymetazoline is not known to cause drowsiness. It is a nasal decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to alleviate congestion.

B. This medication should only be used for asthma.

Oxymetazoline is not a medication specifically used for asthma. It is primarily used as a nasal decongestant for relieving nasal congestion associated with conditions such as allergies and the common cold.

C. Limit the use of this medication to 3 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion

Oxymetazoline is a nasal decongestant commonly used to relieve nasal congestion due to conditions like seasonal allergies or the common cold. Prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays like oxymetazoline can lead to rebound congestion, where the nasal passages become more congested when the medication is stopped. Therefore, it is important to limit the use of oxymetazoline to a short duration (typically 3 days) to avoid this rebound effect.

D. Stop this medication immediately.

Abruptly stopping oxymetazoline is not recommended, as it may lead to rebound congestion. The nurse should advise the client to follow the recommended duration of use and, if needed, consult with a healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Which medication is considered a “rescue inhaler”?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is receiving a glucocorticoid medication to treat an exacerbation of COPD and the provider has ordered a slow taper in order to discontinue this medication. The nurse explains to the patient that this is done to prevent which condition?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The client with seasonal allergies is taking oxymetazoline (Afrin). What should the nurse teach the client about this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient admitted to the medical-surgical floor has a history of end-stage COPD. The patient was admitted with the diagnosis of “Exacerbation of COPD”. Which prescription would the RN not question as it relates to this patient’s treatment regimen?

A young client with cystic fibrosis (CF) is on dornase alfa. What does the nurse teach about the action of this medication?

A client is scheduled to receive chemotherapy drugs that will cause myelosuppression. Which action by the nurse will be most important?

In which of the following scenarios would the RN anticipate glucocorticoids (steroids) to be prescribed?

Ms. Smith, a 48 year-old female, is being treated for cancer with chemotherapy with medications that routinely cause myelosuppression. Which lab values would the RN need to especially monitor?

Which medication is prescribed for a client with COPD to treat acute bronchospasm?

The prescriber has written a new order for a glucocorticoid inhaler for a client being discharged to home. What information should be included in the teaching plan regarding the use of this medication?