albuterol/ beta 2 adrenergic agonists

Question 1

what is the category class of the drug Albuterol

Answer 1

beta 2 adrenergic agonists

Question 2

what is the expected pharmacological action of beta 2 adrenergic agonists

Answer 2

acts by selectively activating the beta 2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, resulting in bronchodilation

Question 3

what is the route and onset of the drug albuterol when inhaled

Answer 3

inhaled; short-acting

Question 4

what are the results when beta 2 adrenergic agonists activate beta 2 receptors

Answer 4

bronchospasm is relieved
histamine release is inhibited
ciliary motility is increased

Question 5

what is the route and onset for albuterol when taken orally

Answer 5

oral- long-acting

Question 6

what are the complications of albuterol

Answer 6

tachycardia (fast HR)
angina (chest pain)
tremors

Question 7

how can oral agents of albuterol cause tachycardia and angina

Answer 7

oral agents of albuterol activate alpha 1 receptors in the heart which may cause tachycardia and angina

Question 8

if a patient is experiencing tachycardia and angina when taking albuterol what nursing action may need to take place

Answer 8

albuterol dosage may need to be reduced

Question 9

because albuterol can cause tachycardia and angina what symptoms should the patient observe and when should they notify the provider

Answer 9

if they observe chest, jaw, or arm pain or palpitations they should call the provider if they occur

Question 10

what should a patient check while taking albuterol

Answer 10

check pulse

Question 11

a patient taking albuterol checks their pulse, when should they report

Answer 11

if the pulse rate is greater than 20 to 30 per minute

Question 12

what drink should be avoided when taking albuterol

Answer 12

caffeine

Question 13

why can albuterol cause tremors

Answer 13

activates beta 2 receptors in the skeletal muscle

Question 14

if a patient reports tremors while taking albuterol what should you tell them

Answer 14

tremors usually resolve with continued medication use

Question 15

if tremors while taking albuterol continues what may need to happen

Answer 15

dosage may need to be reduced

Question 16

precautions when using albuterol

Answer 16

pregnancy (safety isn’t established)
lactation (safety isn’t established)

Question 17

contraindications for albuterol

Answer 17

patients with tachydysrhythmias; diabetes mellitus; hyperthyroidism; heart disease; hypertension and angina

Question 18

drug interactions with albuterol

Answer 18

beta- adrenergic blockers
MAOIs
tricyclic antidepressants

Question 19

why should you not take albuterol with a beta adrenergic blocker

Answer 19

it will negate the effects of both medications

Question 20

what should you tell the patient about taking albuterol with a beta adrenergic blocker

Answer 20

don’t take concurrently

Question 21

why should MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants not be taken with albuterol

Answer 21

can increase risk of tachycardia and angina

Question 22

if a patient is taking MAIOs and tricyclic antidepressants with albuterol what changes should they report

Answer 22

report changes in heart rate and chest pain

Question 23

how should a client take their medication if they are taking an inhaled beta-2 agonist and an inhaled glucocorticoid

Answer 23

take the beta 2 agonist first and then the glucocorticoid

Question 24

why should a client take the inhaled beta 2 agonist first and then the inhaled glucocorticoid

Answer 24

beta 2 agonist promotes bronchodilation and enhances absorption of the glucocorticoid

Question 25

short acting beta 2 agonists is used to treat what type of episode

Answer 25

acute episode

Question 26

client education on taking albuterol ( beta 2 adrenergic agonist)

Answer 26

follow manufacturers instructions for use of metered dose inhaler (MDI) dry powder inhaler (DPI) and nebulizer

do not exceed prescribed dosages

know the dosage schedule ( if the medication is to be taken on a fixed or as-needed schedule)

observe for indications of impeding asthma episode and keep a log of the frequency and intensity of exacerbations

notify the provider if there is an increase in frequency and intensity of asthma exacerbations

Question 27

nursing evaluation of effectiveness of albuterol (beta 2 adrenergic agonist)

Answer 27

long-term control of asthma

prevention of exercise-induced asthma

resolution of asthma exacerbations ——–

as evidenced by absence of shortness of breath, clear breath sounds, absence of wheezing and return of respiratory rate to baseline

Question 28

what are the other names for the drug albuterol

Answer 28

Proventil
Ventolin

Question 29

inhaled- short acting is used for

Answer 29

is used to prevent exercise-induced asthma episode
and treatment of bronchospasm and asthma

Question 30

oral- long acting is used for

Answer 30

long term control of asthma