Learn about inhaled steroids in this nursing pharmacology guide for student nurses! Get to know its uses, side-effects, nursing considerations and more. Show
Inhaled steroids have been found to be a very effective treatment for bronchospasm. The drug of choice depends on the individual patient’s response; a patient may have little response to one agent and do very well on another.
Inhaled Steroids: Generic and Brand NamesHere is a list of some of the most commonly encountered inhaled steroids.
What are Inhaled Steroids?Inhaled steroids are used to decrease the inflammatory response in the airway.
Therapeutic actionsThe desired actions of inhaled steroids include:
Indication of Inhaled SteroidsInhaled steroids are indicated for the following:
PharmacokineticsThese drugs are rapidly absorbed from the respiratory tract, but they from 2 to 3 weeks to reach effective levels.
Contraindications and CautionsThe contraindications and cautions for patients using inhaled steroids include the following:
Adverse effectsAdverse effects of using inhaled steroids include the following:
Nursing considerations for Inhaled SteroidsNursing considerations for a patient using inhaled steroids include the following: Nursing AssessmentHistory taking and physical exam of a patient using inhaled steroids include:
Nursing Diagnosis and Care PlanningNursing diagnoses related to drug therapy might include the following:
Nursing Implementation with RationaleNursing interventions for patients using inhaled steroids include:
EvaluationEvaluation of a patient using inhaled steroids include:
Practice Quiz: Inhaled SteroidsHere’s a 5-item quiz for this inhaled steroids study guide. Please visit our nursing test bank page for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. A Cromolyn sodium (Intal) inhaler is prescribed to a client with asthma. A nurse provides instructions regarding the side effects of this medication. The nurse tells the client that which undesirable effect is associated with this medication? A. Insomnia 1. Answer: C. Wheezing
2. A nurse is about to administer Albuterol (Ventolin HFA) 2 puff and Budesonide (Pulmicort Turbohaler) 2 puff by metered dose inhaler. The nurse plans to administer by? A. Alternating with a
single puff each, starting with albuterol. 2. Answer: D. Albuterol inhaler first then the budesonide.
3. A nurse teaches a client about the use of a respiratory inhaler. Which action by the client indicated a need for further teaching? A. Removes the cap and shakes the inhaler well before use. 3. Answer: C. Inhales the mist and quickly exhales.
4. A client with acute asthma is prescribed short-term corticosteroid therapy. What is the rationale for the use of steroids in clients with asthma? A.
Corticosteroids promote bronchodilation. 4. Answer: C. Corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory effect.
5. The nurse is teaching the client how to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) to administer a Corticosteroid drug. Which of the following client actions indicates that he is using the MDI correctly? Select all that apply. A. The inhaler is held upright. 5. Answer: A and D.
Recommended ResourcesRecommended resources and reference books. Disclosure: Includes Amazon affiliate links.
See AlsoHere are other nursing pharmacology study guides:
Gastrointestinal System Drugs
Respiratory System Drugs
Endocrine System Drugs
Autonomic Nervous System Drugs
Immune System Drugs
Chemotherapeutic Agents
Reproductive System Drugs
Nervous System Drugs
Cardiovascular System Drugs
References and SourcesReferences and sources for this study guide about Inhaled Steroids.
What is the rationale for monitoring vital signs of patient receiving corticosteroids?Monitoring of vital signs can earlyidentify these adverse effects and allow efficient interventionassuring patient's safety.
What should the nurse monitor for in a diabetic client who is started on corticosteroids?If you have diabetes prior to starting on oral corticosteroids, you need to be aware that your blood glucose levels may rise whilst you are taking steroids. This is more likely to be the case if you are taking steroids orally.
What should you monitor when taking corticosteroids?Parameters to be monitored in primary care include weight, blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose and urea and electrolytes.
What major complications associated with corticosteroid therapy will you need to monitor for?[1] The most common adverse effects of corticosteroids include osteoporosis and fractures, suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, Cushingoid features, diabetes and hyperglycemia, myopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, psychiatric disturbances, immunosuppression, cardiovascular disease, ...
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