A home health nurse is making a home visit to a client with multiple sclerosis. The nurse reviews the home medications taken by the client. Which question should the nurse ask to determine the effectiveness of the client's medication, baclofen (Lioresal)?

A) Have the client swish with commercial mouthwash before therapy:
Some commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can be irritating to the mucous membranes, especially in clients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause mucositis or stomatitis, making the oral cavity more sensitive, so alcohol-based mouthwashes should be avoided

B) Place fresh flowers in the client's room:
Fresh flowers are not recommended in the rooms of clients undergoing chemotherapy because they can introduce bacteria into the environment, which is particularly concerning for clients with weakened immune systems due to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of infection.

C) Tell the client to expect dark stools following chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy can cause a variety of gastrointestinal side effects, but dark stools are not a typical or expected side effect. Dark stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires immediate attention.

D) Administer an antiemetic prior to the procedure:
Chemotherapy commonly causes nausea and vomiting, and preemptive administration of antiemetic medications can help prevent these symptoms. The nurse should follow the healthcare provider's orders and administer antiemetics as prescribed, which can significantly improve the client's comfort and adherence to the treatment plan.

A) Prednisone:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma. It is appropriate in this case for managing the asthma exacerbation, as steroids help to decrease airway inflammation and improve breathing. There is no immediate concern about prednisone in this client with both asthma and a history of heart failure.

B) Metoprolol:
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, typically used for managing heart failure, hypertension, and arrhythmias. However, beta-blockers are generally avoided in asthma patients because they can exacerbate bronchospasm. In patients with asthma, beta-blockers can block beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to constriction of the airways and worsening respiratory symptoms.

C) Labetolol:
Labetolol is a beta-blocker with both alpha- and beta-blocking effects, which can help lower blood pressure and manage heart failure. While labetalol can also block beta-2 receptors, it has a relatively lower risk of causing bronchospasm compared to non-selective beta-blockers like metoprolol. However, it still poses some risk to patients with asthma. Given the patient's history of asthma, labetolol may still require caution, but it is generally considered safer than other beta-blockers.

D) Albuterol:
Albuterol is a bronchodilator used to relieve acute asthma symptoms and is commonly prescribed for asthma exacerbations. It works by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles and improved airflow. In this case, albuterol is an appropriate medication for managing asthma exacerbation and should be used to relieve symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing.