The nurse is preparing to administer albuterol (Proventil) and beclomethasone (Beconase) inhalers to an asthmatic patient, as ordered by the prescriber. The nurse should administer

Question

a. the albuterol only; these meds should not be given concurrently.
b. the albuterol first, wait 5 minutes, and then administer the beclomethasone.
c. either inhaler, wait 5 full minutes, then administer the other.
d. the beclomethasone first, wait 5 minutes, then administer the albuterol.

Answer 1

ANS: B
Delivery of the glucocorticoid to the bronchial tree may be enhanced by inhaling a short-acting beta2 agonist 5 minutes before the glucocorticoid is inhaled.
Administering albuterol only is not correct. It is given to vasodilate the lungs prior to the administration of the glucocorticoid.
Albuterol should be given prior to beclomethasone.
The albuterol should be administered first to vasodilate the lungs prior to administration of the beclomethasone.