Question

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has asthma and a new prescription for salmeterol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. "You can take an extra dose of salmeterol if an asthma attack begins." Rationale: Salmeterol is inhaled twice daily, approximately every 12 hr. It is not effective in stopping an acute asthma attack.
B. "This medication will provide long-term control of your asthma symptoms." Rationale: Salmeterol is an inhaled, long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat severe persistent asthma. When used every day as prescribed, salmeterol decreases the number and severity of asthma attacks. Salmeterol is prescribed along with a glucocorticoid medication, which adds an anti-inflammatory effect to the client's asthma treatment.
C. "Once your symptoms have improved, you should discontinue use of this medication." Rationale: Salmeterol is used for long-term control of asthma and should be taken on a regular basis.
D. "Salmeterol is an anti-inflammatory medication that decreases mucous secretion." Rationale: Salmeterol is a beta-adrenergic agonist that promotes bronchodilation.

Answer 1

The nurse should teach the client with asthma that salmeterol is for long-term control and should not be used for acute attacks or discontinued when symptoms improve, as it functions to promote bronchodilation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following instruction: "This medication will provide long-term control of your asthma symptoms." Salmeterol is an inhaled, long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that is used to treat severe persistent asthma. It is prescribed for daily use and helps decrease the number and severity of asthma attacks in conjunction with a glucocorticoid medication which provides an anti-inflammatory effect. Importantly, it should not be used for acute asthma attacks and should not be discontinued once symptoms improve, as it is used for long-term control. Contrary to one of the options provided, Salmeterol is not an anti-inflammatory medication; rather, it promotes bronchodilation to ease breathing.