GoodNurse free practice
NCLEX Question of the Day
Review the question, check the correct answer, and read the rationale before tomorrow's prompt arrives.
A client with asthma is prescribed a fluticasone metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and an albuterol MDI. The nurse instructs the client on the correct sequence for using these inhalers. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
-
Correct answer "I should use the albuterol inhaler first, wait a few minutes, and then use the fluticasone inhaler."
-
"I should use them one right after the other for the best effect."
-
"It doesn't matter which inhaler I use first, as long as I wait 5 minutes between them."
-
"I should use the fluticasone inhaler first, wait a few minutes, and then use the albuterol inhaler."
Rationale
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), which acts as a bronchodilator to open the airways quickly. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used to reduce inflammation in the airways over time. When both types of inhalers are prescribed, the bronchodilator (albuterol) should be used first. This opens the airways, allowing the corticosteroid (fluticasone) to penetrate deeper into the lungs and be more effective. Waiting a few minutes (typically 1-5 minutes) between inhaling the different medications allows the bronchodilator to take effect.
Using the corticosteroid first is less effective as the airways may be constricted. The sequence does matter for optimal medication delivery. Using them immediately one after the other does not allow time for the bronchodilator to work before the corticosteroid is inhaled.
GoodNurse AI
Want to talk through why the other options are wrong? Sign up for GoodNurse to ask follow-up questions and get a guided explanation.
Free daily practice
Get the next question.
One NCLEX-style prompt, answer, and rationale in your inbox every morning. No account needed.
Free NCLEX practice. Unsubscribe anytime.