A patient is having difficulty controlling persistent asthma, and is admitted to an inpatient medical unit.Her admission EKG demonstrates sinus rhythm with a PR interval of 0.18, a QT interval of 0.52 seconds, and no ST segment elevation.An albuterol nebulizer treatment is ordered.Prior to its administration, the nurse expresses concern about:

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The QT interval of 0.52 seconds is prolonged, which can increase the risk of torsades de pointes, a type of life-threatening ventricular tachycardia. Albuterol, a beta-agonist used in treating asthma, can further prolong the QT interval, raising concerns about its administration in this context.

A Patient Is Having Difficulty Controlling Persistent Asthma, and Is