Final answer:
Cromolyn sodium is the commonly used medication as a mast cell stabilizer for the treatment of asthma. It works by preventing the release of inflammatory substances like histamines and reducing the symptoms of asthma.
Step-by-step explanation:
The commonly used medication that the nurse would educate the patient about as a mast cell stabilizer for the treatment of asthma is Cromolyn sodium (option b).
Cromolyn sodium is a medication used to prevent and treat asthma attacks by stabilizing mast cells, which are responsible for the release of inflammatory substances like histamines. By preventing the release of histamines, Cromolyn sodium helps to prevent the airways from narrowing and reduces the symptoms of asthma.
Other options listed are:
- a) Albuterol is a bronchodilator medication commonly used for short-term relief of asthma symptoms by relaxing and opening up the airways.
- c) Budesonide is a corticosteroid medication used for long-term control of asthma by reducing airway inflammation.
- d) Theophylline is a bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways.