NCLEX Practice Test

Which medication prescription should the nurse anticipate after notifying the health care provider about coarse crackles heard in the lung sounds of a client with shortness of breath?

1. Albuterol

2. Bumetanide

3. Guaifenesin

4. Methylprednisolone

The correct answer is: Albuterol

The nurse should anticipate the prescription of Albuterol because it is a bronchodilator that acts on the beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, facilitating an increase in airflow by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. The presence of coarse crackles in the lung sounds, especially in the context of shortness of breath, suggests possible bronchospasm or airway obstruction that can commonly occur in conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Administering Albuterol can help alleviate the acute shortness of breath by opening up the airways, making it easier for the client to breathe. Other medications in this scenario may not directly address the immediate respiratory symptoms associated with bronchoconstriction or airway obstruction. For example, Bumetanide is a diuretic that would be more appropriate for managing fluid overload rather than acute respiratory distress. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which assists in thinning mucus, but it would not directly relieve the bronchospasm aspect of the client's condition. Methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, can reduce inflammation over a longer period but may not provide immediate relief in an acute situation. Therefore, Albuterol is the most suitable choice for rapidly addressing the client's acute shortness of breath