A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who is placed on corticosteroid therapy asks the nurse what the medication does. Which of the following responses by the nurse is best?
a. "The medication causes your airways to dilate."
b. "The medication is an expectorant that helps you cough up secretions."
c. "It is an anti-infective and helps kill bacteria."
d. "It is an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the swelling in your airways."
ANS: D
Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents. Whereas patients with lung disease may need medications for bronchodilation, anti-infective, and expectorant actions, corticosteroids are given for inflammation.
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