Question

When evaluating an asthmatic client's knowledge of self-care, the nurse recognizes that additional instruction is needed when the client makes which statement?

1) "I use my corticosteroid inhaler each time I feel short of breath."
2) "I see my doctor if I have an upper respiratory infection and always get a flu shot."
3) "I use my bronchodilator inhaler before walking so I don't become short of breath."
4) "I use my bronchodilator inhaler before I visit places like the zoo because of my allergies."

Answer 1

The client needs additional instruction about the appropriate use of corticosteroid inhalers for long-term control and bronchodilator inhalers for acute relief of asthma symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the given information, additional instruction is needed when the client makes the statement: "I use my corticosteroid inhaler each time I feel short of breath."

This statement indicates that the client is using the corticosteroid inhaler as a short-term, fast-acting drug for an asthma attack, which is incorrect. Corticosteroid inhalers are typically used for long-term control of asthma, to prevent asthma attacks from occurring. Short-term, fast-acting relief during an asthma attack is provided by bronchodilator inhalers.

Therefore, the client needs to be educated about the appropriate use of corticosteroid inhalers for long-term control and bronchodilator inhalers for acute relief of asthma symptoms.