Which is the most appropriate medication for the nurse to administer when a patient with COPD experiences acute shortness of breath?

A) Inhaled corticosteroids
B) Inhaled fast-acting bronchodilator
C) Oral antibiotics
D) Oral mucolytic agents


B) Inhaled fast-acting bronchodilator
Explanation: A) Inhaled corticosteroids can reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve health status but are not used for acute SOB.
B) Fast-acting bronchodilators are used on an as-needed basis for the immediate relief of acute SOB. Long-acting bronchodilators are used preventively.
C) Antibiotics are recommended only for bacterial infections.
D) Mucolytic agents may help to thin viscous sputum.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A male client with the diagnosis of depression has not attended his last two group meetings. The nurse provides a printed schedule of meeting dates and times to the client the next time she sees him. The nurse's actions can be described as:

a. Insight b. Self-awareness c. Empathy d. Client advocacy

Nursing

When planning care for the premature newborn diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome, which potential complications would the nurse anticipate? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected

Select all that apply. 1. Hypoxia 2. Respiratory alkalosis 3. Metabolic acidosis 4. Massive atelectasis 5. Pulmonary edema

Nursing

The nurse is planning care for a client during the postoperative period. What should the nurse identify as the goal of care for this client?

1. Provide necessary preoperative teaching. 2. Assist the client to achieve the most optimal health status possible. 3. Ensure client safety. 4. Maintain an aseptic environment.

Nursing

The nurse is evaluating telephone calls made by the mothers of newborns in a community clinic. Which calls should the nurse make a priority? Select all that apply

1. Mother who is 16 years old 2. Mother who is breastfeeding 3. Mother who is a single parent 4. Mother who gave birth to twins 2 weeks ago 5. Mother whose baby was born at 30 weeks' gestation

Nursing