Editing Medical-Surgical Nursing – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 2==
The licensed practical nurse is reinforcing teaching for a patient newly prescribed a metered-dose albuterol inhaler and an inhaled corticosteroid. Which statement by the patient indicates that the teaching was understood?
# "I will use the steroid inhaler first because it is the stronger medicine."
# "I will use the albuterol first, wait as instructed, then use the steroid, and rinse my mouth afterward."
# "I will use the albuterol only at bedtime to prevent problems overnight."
# "I do not need to rinse my mouth as long as I brush my teeth at night."

'''Answer:''' Option 2, using the albuterol first, then the steroid, and rinsing the mouth afterward.

''Rationale:'' The short-acting bronchodilator opens the airways so the corticosteroid can reach deeper into the lungs. Rinsing the mouth after the corticosteroid prevents oral fungal infection (thrush). Option 1 reverses the order. Option 3 misuses a rescue medication, which is taken for symptoms or as prescribed before exercise. Option 4 leaves steroid residue in the mouth for hours and increases the risk of thrush.