A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for albuterol PRN. The nurse should reinforce with the client that the medication can help treat which of the following manifestations?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Hyperglycemia: Albuterol is not prescribed to manage blood glucose levels. While it can sometimes cause a mild increase in blood glucose as a side effect, its primary therapeutic action is not directed at treating hyperglycemia or any diabetic conditions. B. Swelling of the lips: Swelling of the lips could indicate an allergic reaction or angioedema, which is a medical emergency. Albuterol is not used to treat allergic swelling; epinephrine would be the medication of choice in managing severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. C. Nausea: Albuterol is not intended to treat nausea. Although gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, can sometimes occur as a side effect of albuterol, it is not administered for the purpose of controlling nausea in clients. D. Shortness of breath: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist that works by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation. It is commonly prescribed to relieve acute episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, or bronchospasm, particularly in asthma or COPD.