Question

A patient who uses an inhaled steroid, budesonide (pulmocort) for chronic asthma calls the nurse to report a sore throat. what action should the nurse take?

a. suggest that the patient be tested for a bronchial infection
b. request an order for an antibiotic medication
c. tell the patient to discontinue use of the budesonide (pulmocort)
d. ask whether the patient is rinsing and gargling after each dose of the budesinide (pulmocort)

Answer 1

The nurse should ask the patient if they are rinsing and gargling after each dose of budesonide (Pulmicort) to prevent irritation and sore throat associated with inhaled steroids.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient using an inhaled steroid such as budesonide (Pulmicort) for chronic asthma reports a sore throat, the most appropriate action for a nurse to take is to ask whether the patient is rinsing and gargling after each dose of the budesonide (Pulmicort). This is because inhaled steroids can cause irritation of the throat and oral cavity, potentially leading to symptoms such as sore throat or oral thrush.

It is important for patients using inhaled corticosteroids to rinse their mouth out after each use to prevent potential side effects. If the patient is already practicing these preventive measures, or if symptoms persist despite these measures, further evaluation might be warranted to rule out an infection.