Answer:
Option 1, albuterol
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should prepare to administer this patient albuterol, which is option 1. Albuterol is an adrenergic medication that selectively binds to the beta-2 adrenergic receptors of the smooth muscle present in the airway causing a cascade of events that then relaxes the smooth muscle thereby promoting bronchodilation -- the lumen of the airways opens allowing for adequate ventilation. It has a relatively rapid onset of action of 5-10 minutes (in practice, it is quicker than what is documented) which is why it is indicated in patients experiencing an asthma attack, where bronchospasm is likely to occur.
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication with a 24-hour onset that is indicated for prophylactic treatment of patients with asthma. It is contraindicated for patient with an acute, or sudden, asthma attack because of this long onset of action.
Salmeterol, another adrenergic medication, is also contraindicated for the treatment of a patient with an acute asthma attack. Though it is not as long as fluticasone, the onset of salmeterol's action is long enough at 10-20 minutes that it increases the risk of death in patients in need of quick bronchodilation. Salmeterol is indicated for prevention of asthma attacks when combined with an inhaled corticosteroid like fluticasone; thus, fluticasone/salmeterol can also be ruled out for acute asthma attack.
If a nurse is preparing for the onset of a patient's asthma attack, they should have albuterol, option 1, on standby.