Author Question: A patient is scheduled for pulmonary function testing. Which action should the nurse take to prepare ... (Read 49 times)

burchfield96 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient is scheduled for pulmonary function testing. Which action should the nurse take to prepare the patient for this procedure?

a. Give the rescue medication immediately before testing.
b. Administer oral corticosteroids 2 hours before the procedure.
c. Withhold bronchodilators for 6 to 12 hours before the examination.
d. Ensure that the patient has been NPO for several hours before the test.

Question 2

The nurse teaches a patient how to administer formoterol (Perforomist) through a nebulizer. Which action by the patient indicates good understanding of the teaching?

a. The patient attaches a spacer before using the inhaler.
b. The patient coughs vigorously after using the inhaler.
c. The patient activates the inhaler at the onset of expiration.
d. The patient removes the facial mask when misting has ceased.

ApricotDream · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Bronchodilators are held before pulmonary function testing (PFT) so that a baseline assessment of airway function can be determined. Testing is repeated after bronchodilator use to determine whether the decrease in lung function is reversible. There is no need for the patient to be NPO. Oral corticosteroids should be held before PFTs. Rescue medications (which are bronchodilators) would not be given until after the baseline pulmonary function was assessed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A nebulizer is used to administer aerosolized medication. A mist is seen when the medication is aerosolized, and when all of the medication has been used, the misting stops. The other options refer to inhaler use. Coughing vigorously after inhaling and activating the inhaler at the onset of expiration are both incorrect techniques when using an inhaler.