A patient with asthma uses albuterol [Ventolin] for wheezing. The nurse assesses the patient and notes vital signs of HR, 96 beats/min; RR, 18 breaths per minute; and BP, 116/78 mm Hg. The patient has clear breath sounds and hand tremors. What will the nurse do?
A) Ask the patient how often the inhaler is used.
B) Check the patient's blood glucose level.
C) Request an order for isoproterenol [Isuprel] to reduce side effects.
D) Stop the medication and report the tremors to the provider.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tachycardia is a response to activation of beta₁ receptors. It can occur when large doses of albuterol are used and selectivity decreases. The nurse should question the patient about the number of inhalations used. Isoproterenol can cause hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Isoproterenol has more side effects than albuterol. Tremors are an expected side effect and are not an indication for stopping the drug.

A Patient with Asthma Uses Albuterol [Ventolin] for Wheezing