Case Study, Chapter 44, Drugs for Asthma and Other Bronchoconstrictive
Disorders
Learning Objectives: 2, 4, 8
Terry Lee is a 38-year-old patient who presented to the emergency department in severe
respiratory distress, including profound dyspnea, wheezing, and circumoral cyanosis. He
was diagnosed with asthma at age 10. Terry was admitted to the intensive care unit
(ICU). His treatment regimen includes albuterol via inhalation every 20 minutes for 4
doses and IV corticosteroids every 6 hours.
1. Describe the potential adverse effects of administering albuterol as ordered. For
what signs and symptoms should the nurse be alert?
2. Terry’s wife is at his bedside. She expresses concern about his treatment with IV
corticosteroids, stating that she has heard that many adverse effects are associated
with these drugs. Discuss the rationale for the use of IV corticosteroids in this
case.
3. Terry’s symptoms subside and he is transferred to a medical unit. Terry tells the
nurse that he hopes he does not have another episode of this type again. What
efforts should be employed in order to reduce the risk of future episodes?