Exhibits Click to highlight the instructions the nurse should reinforce to the client. Prescribed Medication Albuterol Nursing Instructions "Take your albuterol when you are having difficulty breathing." "Hold your breath for 20 seconds when taking your albuterol." Salmeterol "Take the salmeterol 5 minutes before the albuterol when you need both medications." “Take the salmeterol 2 times each day." Fluticasone "Rinse out your mouth after taking the fluticasone." Take the fluticasone as needed for an asthma attack." Explanation & Rationale
Albuterol belongs to a class of medications known as beta-adrenergic agonists, specifically beta-2 selective agonists. When inhaled, albuterol binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors located on the smooth muscle cells lining the airways in the lungs. Activation of these receptors leads to relaxation of the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes, causing them to widen (bronchodilation). By dilating the airways, albuterol helps to reduce airway resistance and increase airflow into and out of the lungs, making it easier to breathe during an asthma attack. One should hold breath for 5 to 10 seconds after inhalation of the puff. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-adrenergic agonist (LABA) bronchodilator commonly used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Salmeterol is usually prescribed for twice-daily dosing. One should wait for 2 minutes between two puffs. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication that is inhaled into the lungs to reduce inflammation in the airways. If these particles remain in the mouth, they can increase the risk of developing oral thrush, which is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Rinsing the mouth with water after using the inhaler helps to remove any residual medication particles, reducing the risk of oral thrush.
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Explanation & Rationale
Albuterol belongs to a class of medications known as beta-adrenergic agonists, specifically beta-2 selective agonists. When inhaled, albuterol binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors located on the smooth muscle cells lining the airways in the lungs. Activation of these receptors leads to relaxation of the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes, causing them to widen (bronchodilation). By dilating the airways, albuterol helps to reduce airway resistance and increase airflow into and out of the lungs, making it easier to breathe during an asthma attack. One should hold breath for 5 to 10 seconds after inhalation of the puff. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-adrenergic agonist (LABA) bronchodilator commonly used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Salmeterol is usually prescribed for twice-daily dosing. One should wait for 2 minutes between two puffs. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication that is inhaled into the lungs to reduce inflammation in the airways. If these particles remain in the mouth, they can increase the risk of developing oral thrush, which is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Rinsing the mouth with water after using the inhaler helps to remove any residual medication particles, reducing the risk of oral thrush.