A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol (Proventil)as needed and salmeterol (Serevent)every 12 hours.When the patient asks the nurse why two inhaler drugs are needed,what is the nurse's best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Even though both drugs are beta₂ agonists,they are both normally prescribed for the patient with asthma.Short-acting (but rapid-acting)beta₂ agonists (albuterol)are used to reduce the severity or stop an asthma attack.Long-acting beta₂ agonists (salmeterol)can prevent attacks when taken daily; however,their onset of action is so slow that these drugs are not helpful to stop an attack that has already started.

A Patient with Asthma Is Prescribed Albuterol (Proventil)as Needed and Salmeterol