Final answer:
Nurses should instruct asthma patients to contact their doctor if the need for albuterol increases, as it may indicate poor asthma control. Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator used on an as-needed basis to relieve symptoms or prevent exercise-induced breathing problems. It should be used before long-term control medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proper Use of Albuterol for Asthma Management
Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems such as asthma. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways to improve breathing. The medication is typically used on an as-needed basis to relieve symptoms of an asthma attack, or it may be used before exercise to prevent breathing difficulties.
The correct statement by the nurse that demonstrates appropriate teaching for a client diagnosed with asthma would be: "B. Call your doctor's office if you need to use the drug more often." This advice is crucial because an increased need for fast-acting inhalers like albuterol can indicate that the asthma is not well controlled, and the treatment plan may need to be adjusted.
It is not advisable to routinely use albuterol at bedtime for prevention unless directed by a healthcare provider. If the patient feels dizzy while using the inhaler, instead of discontinuing it immediately, they should consult with their doctor as dizziness can be a side effect that needs medical advice. Albuterol is typically used before other asthma inhalers that contain long-term control medications, as it opens the airways and allows the other medications to be more effective.