Quick-relief versus maintenance inhaled medications
Question
A nurse reviews the inhaled medications prescribed for clients on a respiratory unit. For each medication, indicate whether it is used to relieve sudden symptoms or is a maintenance medication that is not for sudden symptoms.
| Row | Relieves sudden symptoms (quick relief) | Maintenance only, not for sudden symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Albuterol metered-dose inhaler | ✓ Correct | Not correct |
| Fluticasone propionate and salmeterol dry-powder inhaler | Not correct | ✓ Correct |
| Tiotropium soft-mist inhaler | Not correct | ✓ Correct |
| Budesonide inhalation suspension given by nebulizer | Not correct | ✓ Correct |
Answer
Albuterol metered-dose inhaler: Relieves sudden symptoms (quick relief) · Fluticasone propionate and salmeterol dry-powder inhaler: Maintenance only, not for sudden symptoms · Tiotropium soft-mist inhaler: Maintenance only, not for sudden symptoms · Budesonide inhalation suspension given by nebulizer: Maintenance only, not for sudden symptoms
Rationale
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist with a fast onset, so it is the quick-relief medication for bronchospasm. The combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and the long-acting beta-2 agonist salmeterol, the long-acting anticholinergic tiotropium and an inhaled corticosteroid such as budesonide are daily maintenance medications. Their labels state that they are not to be used for acute symptoms, which are treated with a short-acting beta-2 agonist.
Sources
Sources marked “Adapted from” are licensed under CC BY 4.0. We changed the material: its facts are rewritten into an original question, answer options and rationale. The original authors and publishers do not endorse SwipeExam.
- Albuterol Sulfate (albuterol sulfate) respiratory (inhalation) prescribing information, Armstrong Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Adapted from Open RN Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition: Chapter 5 Respiratory System
- Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol DISKUS (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) respiratory (inhalation) prescribing information, REMEDYREPACK INC.
- Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide inhalation spray) respiratory (inhalation) prescribing information, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Budesonide (budesonide) respiratory (inhalation) prescribing information, Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc.
- Adapted from Open RN Health Alterations: Chapter 6 Respiratory Alterations
- Asthma Treatment and Action Plan
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