The nurse is preparing to administer albuterol (Proventil) and ...

[stevenposner]

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
 
  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.

Question 2

The prescriber has written an order for a patient to be discharged home on triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort). About what common side effects of this medication should the nurse forewarn the patient?
 
  a. Fatigue and edema
  b. Anxiety and dysphagia
  c. Headache and rapid heart rate
  d. Oral candidiasis and dysphonia

[popopong]

Answer to Question 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.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The most common adverse effects associated with inhaled glucocorticoids are oropharyngeal candidiasis and dysphonia.
Fatigue and edema are not common side effects.
Anxiety and dysphasia are not associated with inhaled glucocorticoids.
Headache and a rapid heart rate are not common side effects of glucocorticoids.

[stevenposner]

Excellent

[bdobbins]

TYSM