Question

The nurse is administering a dose of pirbuterol (Maxair Autohaler) to a client. The nurse should monitor for which side/adverse effect of this medication?

1) Drowsiness
2) Hypokalemia
3) Hyperglycemia
4) Increased pulse

Answer 1

A nurse should monitor for an increased pulse as a side effect of pirbuterol (Maxair Autohaler), as it is a common reaction due to its beta-agonist properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

When monitoring a client who has been administered a dose of pirbuterol (Maxair Autohaler), a nurse should be vigilant for several side effects. Among these potential effects, an increased pulse is a common reaction, as pirbuterol is a beta-agonist which can stimulate the heart and cause tachycardia. While drowsiness, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia can also occur with various medications, they are not as commonly associated with beta-agonists like pirbuterol as an increased heart rate is. Therefore, the nurse should particularly monitor for an increased pulse.