For a patient receiving Albuterol treatment with a pulse increase from 74 to 88/min, what should the respiratory therapist do?

• A. Complete the treatment, continue to monitor pulse rate
• B. Contact the physician to obtain direction
• C. Decrease future doses to half strength
• D. Discontinue the treatment, assess the patient in 15 minutes

Answer: (A)

In this scenario, the respiratory therapist observes a pulse increase from 74 to 88 beats per minute during Albuterol treatment. The correct action is to complete the treatment while continuing to monitor the patient's pulse rate.

Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to relieve bronchospasm, particularly in conditions like asthma or COPD. It is well recognized that Albuterol can lead to a transient increase in heart rate due to its stimulant effects on beta-adrenergic receptors, which may not be cause for immediate concern if the increase is modest, as in this case.

Monitoring the pulse rate ensures that the therapist can keep an eye on any further changes and assess the impact of the Albuterol on the patient's respiratory status. Completing the treatment allows for the therapeutic effects of the medication to fully manifest, which is essential in managing the patient's respiratory condition effectively.

The other options are inappropriate in this situation, as contacting the physician may not be necessary for a mild increase in pulse rate. Decreasing future doses might be premature without further assessment and can result in inadequate treatment. Discontinuing the treatment without additional assessment might lead to worsening respiratory symptoms due to lack of bronchodilation. Thus, completing the treatment while monitoring the patient is the best choice for ensuring effective