A nurse counsels a patient using two different types of asthma ...

[BrownTown3]

A nurse counsels a patient using two different types of asthma inhalers: a short-acting beta2 agonist and a corticosteroid. When the patient questions the purpose of the steroid inhaler, the nurse's best response would be that glucocorticoids
 
  a. work rapidly in acute attacks.
  b. are used as prophylaxis for chronic asthma.
  c. help prevent respiratory infections.
  d. are used only when exposed to environmental allergens.

Question 2

An asthmatic patient begins therapy with montelukast (Singulair). The nurse is providing patient education. Which statement by the patient best demonstrates understanding?
 
  a. I can anticipate immediate effects from this medication.
  b. When taken even once, montelukast is just as effective as my glucocorticoid inhaler.
  c. Montelukast has many serious drug interactions.
  d. Maximal effects occur within 24 hours.

[Joy Chen]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Glucocorticoids are used for prophylaxis of chronic asthma.
The short-acting inhaled beta2 agonist, not the glucocorticoid, is for an acute asthma attack.
Glucocorticoids do not help prevent respiratory infections and are not used for exposure to allergens.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Maximal effects develop within 24 hours of the first dose. This statement demonstrates understanding.
Effects are not immediate, but the medication is rapidly absorbed by the body; further teaching is needed.
As monotherapy, montelukast is less effective than inhaled glucocorticoids; further teaching is needed.
Montelukast is not associated with any serious drug interactions; further teaching is needed.

[BrownTown3]

Thanks

[Joy Chen]

Welcome