Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

If a patient exhibits symptoms of asthma during emergence from anesthesia, which medication would the perianesthesia nurse likely administer first?

1. Dexamethasone

2. Nebulized epinephrine

3. Nebulized albuterol

4. Isoproterenol

The correct answer is: Nebulized albuterol

Administering nebulized albuterol as the first line of treatment for a patient exhibiting symptoms of asthma during emergence from anesthesia is appropriate because it is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist specifically indicated for relieving bronchospasm. Albuterol works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow, which is crucial in an acute asthma episode. It acts quickly to alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, making it the preferred choice in this scenario. Dexamethasone, while helpful in reducing inflammation, does not provide immediate relief for acute bronchospasm. Nebulized epinephrine is sometimes used for severe bronchospasm or in cases of anaphylaxis but is not the standard first-line treatment for asthma. Isoproterenol has a broader action on both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors but is not commonly used for acute asthma attacks due to potential cardiac side effects and is less specific than albuterol. Therefore, nebulized albuterol is the most effective and safest option in the acute management of asthma during anesthetic emergence.