Author Question: A patient reaches for the salmeterol (Serevent) inhaler with the onset of an asthma attack. What is ... (Read 59 times)

fnuegbu · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient reaches for the salmeterol (Serevent) inhaler with the onset of an asthma attack. What is the nurse's best instruction to the patient?

a. Use the albuterol (Proventil) inhaler instead.
b. Wait at least one full minute between puffs.
c. Attach the spacer to the inhaler before using it.
d. Take a deep breath, hold it for 15 seconds, and then exhale before using the inha-ler.

Question 2

A patient is having an anaphylactic reaction to an intravenous (IV) antibacterial drug. Which action does the nurse perform first?

a. Discontinue the IV therapy immediately and place the patient in shock position.
b. Hold the next dose and notify the prescriber immediately.
c. Discontinue the IV therapy and restart it at a different site.
d. Discontinue the drug and maintain the IV access.

Dunkey · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta2 agonist. This type of drug needs time to build up an effect and is useful in preventing asthma attacks. The effects of this drug are longer lasting, but are not of value during an acute asthma attack.

Answer to Question 2

D
When a patient is having an anaphylactic reaction to an IV drug, the first priority is to prevent any more drug from entering the patient. Stop the drug from infusing but keep the IV access open. If the drug is infusing high into the IV tubing, change the tubing after stopping the drug, and do not let any drug left in the tubing run into the patient. Starting a new IV line may be dif-ficult or impossible during the hypotension that occurs during anaphylaxis.