Which medication is a nurse most concerned about for a client with asthma?

• A. Beta-blockers (OLOLs)
• B. ACE inhibitors
• C. Narcotic analgesics
• D. Calcium channel blockers

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that some medications can trigger or worsen bronchoconstriction in asthma. Beta-blockers are the ones to be most concerned about because they block beta-2 receptors in the airways. When these receptors are blocked, bronchodilation is reduced and bronchospasm can occur or worsen, which can precipitate an asthma attack. This risk is especially high with non-selective beta-blockers that block both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors; even cardioselective ones can cause problems at higher doses or in more severe asthma, so they’re used with great caution or avoided.

ACE inhibitors can cause a cough for other reasons but don’t typically provoke bronchospasm. Narcotic analgesics may depress respiration in general, which can complicate respiratory status, but they don’t specifically trigger asthma symptoms the way beta-blockers do. Calcium channel blockers aren’t primarily associated with asthma bronchoconstriction, so they’re not the classic concern in this context.