Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

A patient displaying wheezing may require immediate attention with what class of medication?

1. Inhaled steroids

2. Bronchodilators

3. Antihistamines

4. Intravenous steroids

The correct answer is: Bronchodilators

Wheezing is often a sign of bronchoconstriction or airway obstruction, conditions commonly seen in respiratory illnesses such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Bronchodilators are medications specifically designed to relax and open the airways, making them the first line of treatment in acute situations where a patient presents with wheezing. These medications work by acting on the smooth muscle in the airways, leading to dilation and subsequently improving airflow. This rapid action is crucial for alleviating symptoms in an acute setting where a patient's breathing may be compromised. Inhaled bronchodilators, such as albuterol, can provide almost immediate relief of wheezing and are essential in emergency situations. Other options, such as inhaled steroids and intravenous steroids, are more geared towards reducing inflammation over a longer term rather than providing immediate relief from wheezing. Antihistamines primarily address allergic reactions and would not be effective in treating wheezing due to bronchospasm. Therefore, the immediate administration of bronchodilators is the appropriate rationale for managing a patient showing signs of wheezing.