Author Question: A nurse is caring for a 15-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has been prescribed dornase ... (Read 118 times)

anjilletteb · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is caring for a 15-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has been prescribed dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) to relieve the buildup of secretions and keep airways open and functioning longer.

What will the nurse instruct the patient to do concerning the use of this drug? A) Use in home nebulizer up to four times a day if needed.
B) Stop all other medications while using the drug.
C) Store the drug in the refrigerator, protected from light.
D) Expect a severe headache after each use.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing digoxin for an infant. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

A) To perform hand hygiene
B) To have another nurse check dosage calculations
C) To check the child's apical pulse
D) To identify the patient by checking the ID bracelet

hramirez205 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
Patients using dornase alfa should be cautioned to store the drug in the refrigerator, protected from light. Heat and light can cause the drug to break down and can decrease its therapeutic value. The drug should only be used up to two times a day and the patient should continue all other medications while using it. Dornase alfa is only a palliative therapy that improves respiratory symptoms. A severe headache is not associated with this drug.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
The margin of safety for the dosage of this drug is very narrow in children. The dosage needs to be very carefully calculated and should be double-checked by another nurse before administration. The other options are important and the nurse should implement all three. However, these actions are of lower priority.