Question

A child is having an asthma attack and the parent can't remember which inhaler to use for quick relief. The nurse accesses the child's medication information and tells the parent to use which inhalant?

Answer 1

During an asthma attack, a nurse would recommend using a fast-acting bronchodilator like an albuterol inhaler for immediate relief. These bronchodilators quickly open up the airways, easing symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. For long-term control, medications like corticosteroids are used, along with avoiding asthma triggers.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the event of an asthma attack, a nurse would advise the parent to use a fast-acting bronchodilator, such as an albuterol inhaler, which is specifically designed for quick relief of asthma symptoms. Fast-acting bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, helping them to open up and allowing the child to breathe more easily. These medications typically start to work almost immediately to ease symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. It is important to use the quick-relief inhaler at the onset of an asthma attack to prevent the symptoms from worsening.

For managing asthma in the long-term, other medications such as corticosteroids might be prescribed. These are designed to reduce inflammation and prevent the occurrence of asthma attacks but are not suitable for treating an immediate attack. In addition to medication, avoiding known asthma triggers is crucial for preventing attacks.