If a patient’s heart rate increases significantly during aerosolized Xopenex treatment, what should the therapist recommend?

When a patient experiences a significant increase in heart rate during aerosolized Xopenex (levalbuterol) treatment, one appropriate recommendation is to reduce the Xopenex dose to 0.63 mg. This option is correct because Xopenex, a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, can stimulate not only the bronchial smooth muscle leading to bronchodilation but also the beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, which can result in tachycardia.

By reducing the dose, the therapist can mitigate the cardiovascular side effects while still providing therapeutic benefit for the patient's respiratory needs. This approach balances the necessity of managing asthma or bronchospasm while considering the patient's overall well-being, particularly avoiding excessive increases in heart rate that could lead to further complications.

The other options are less appropriate because, while patients might experience some adverse effects from bronchodilators, a significant heart rate increase may require an intervention. Continuing therapy without addressing the increase in heart rate does not consider the potential risks associated with tachycardia. Administering a vasodilator prior to each treatment is not a typical response to this situation, as vasodilators would not specifically counteract the stimulant effects of beta-agonists on the heart.