KNow the drug name, its class and other drugs in the same class
The name of the drug is Proventil (ALbuterol).It is a sympathomimetic bronchodilator and other medications in this class are Epinephrine,Tornalate,Foradil,Isuprel,terbutaline,xopenex and maxair(These are short acting). Two long acting meds in this class are Serevent and foradil .
Know the Physiologic action and therapeutic use
They are Beta agonists which act on the airways by relaxing smooth muscles leading to the dilation of constricted airways (bronchi and bronchioles).Used for QUICK relief from constricted airways ( absence of wheezing and dyspnea). They act on Beta 2 cells.
Know the Side effects of the medication and they include
Tachycardia
palpitations
angina
headache
dizziness or lightheadedness
insomnia
tremor or nervousness
sweating
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea or
dry mouth.
Hypokalemia and hyperglycemia
Urinary retention
Know what labs to monitor
You will need to monitor potassium levels and blood sugar levels especially if the client is diabetic.
KNow what the nursing interventions may be
Monitor vital signs especially heart rate and blood pressure.
Auscultate lungs before and after treatment
Teach client to use this medication as a rescue drug or for prevention
Teach client to report any of the side effects mentioned above e.g angina, plaitations,Teach client to wait 1 to 3 minutes between inhalation
Teach client not to take more than prescribed due to risk of hypertension
Teach client to avoid caffeine which may increase nervousness
Know any needed Additional information
Contraindicated in a case of allergies to the medication
Use cautiously in clients with heart disease,hypertension,diabetes mellitus,seizures and hypothyroidism.
Children under 12 should not use inhaled albuterol,tornalate,alupent and terbutaline
Additional use of MAOI's may lead to hypertensive crisis.
Hope this helps.