A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving nebulized albuterol. The nurse should identify which of the following as an adverse effect of albuterol?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Respiratory rate 14/min: A respiratory rate of 14 breaths per minute is within the normal adult range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This value does not suggest any adverse effect from albuterol and reflects stable respiratory function. B. Blood pressure 108/60 mm Hg: This blood pressure reading is within normal limits, especially for a resting adult. It does not indicate hypotension or hypertension and is not associated with albuterol-related adverse effects. C. Heart rate 112/min: Albuterol can cause tachycardia due to its beta-adrenergic stimulation, which increases sympathetic activity. A heart rate above 100 beats per minute is considered tachycardia and is a known adverse effect of this medication. D. Temperature 38.3° C (101° F): An elevated temperature may indicate infection or inflammation, but it is not a typical side effect of albuterol. Fever is not caused by beta-agonist bronchodilators and would warrant investigation for another underlying cause.