1. Classify the patient’s disease severity. Is this considered stable or unstable?
The patient’s disease is less severe. It is stable but can progress faster if no action is taken
to manage it. For instance, the SaO2 is slightly lower than 88 percent (82 percent). The
RR is also 22, close to 25 bpm, depicting full-blown COPD. In addition, the patient does
not yet report symptoms, such as chest tightness, respiratory infections, unintended
weight loss, or wheezing (Onishi, 2017).
2. Identify two (2) “Evidence A” recommended medication classes for the treatment of
this condition and provide an example (drug name) for each.
Long-acting bronchodilators, such as salmeterol and formoterol.
Short-acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol and levalbuterol.
3. Describe the mechanism of action for each of the medication classes identified
above.
Long-acting bronchodilators are mainly applied to treat COPD for an extended period.
Doctors often prescribe the medications once or twice daily via nebulizers or inhalers.
Long-acting bronchodilators work gradually, helping ease breathing. However, they do
not work instantly; hence, they are not applicable in emergencies. They have side effects
like swelling or rash, irregular or rapid heart rate, and blurry vision (Kinman, 2020).
Short-acting bronchodilators work by opening a patient’s airways also to ease breathing.
They are often used in emergencies as they offer quick relief, unlike long-acting
bronchodilators. In addition, short-acting bronchodilators can be taken via nebulizer or
inhaler (Kinman, 2020)
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