A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke involving the left cerebral hemisphere. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Taking the albuterol before taking the cromolyn is not necessary. Albuterol and cromolyn are both used to treat asthma, but they have different mechanisms of action. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles around the airways and opens them up, making it easier to breathe. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer that prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation and allergy symptoms in the airways. Albuterol is used to relieve acute asthma attacks, while cromolyn is used to prevent chronic asthma symptoms. The nurse should advise the client to use albuterol as needed for quick relief, and to use cromolyn regularly as prescribed to prevent asthma flareups.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Using both medications immediately after exercising is not recommended. Exercise can trigger asthma symptoms in some people, such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. This is called exercise induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) or exercise induced asthma (EIA). The nurse should advise the client to use albuterol 15 to 30 minutes before exercising to prevent EIB or EIA, and to avoid exercising in cold, dry, or polluted air. The nurse should also instruct the client to use cromolyn at least 15 minutes before exercising, as it takes time to work and does not provide immediate relief. The nurse should also tell the client to stop exercising and use albuterol if asthma symptoms occur during or after exercising.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Using cromolyn immediately if the breathing begins to feel tight is not effective. Cromolyn is not a rescue medication that can provide quick relief of asthma symptoms. It is a preventive medication that works by reducing the inflammation and sensitivity of the airways over time. The nurse should advise the client to use albuterol instead of cromolyn if the breathing begins to feel tight, as albuterol can rapidly open up the airways and ease the breathing. The nurse should also instruct the client to seek medical attention if the albuterol does not work or if the symptoms get worse.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Administering the medications 10 minutes apart is good practice. Cromolyn and albuterol can be used together to treat asthma, but they should not be mixed in the same nebulizer, as they may not be compatible and may lose their effectiveness. The nurse should instruct the client to use separate nebulizers for each medication, and to wait at least 10 minutes between each nebulization to allow the medication to reach the lungs and avoid irritation of the airways. The nurse should also teach the client how to use the nebulizer properly, and how to clean and store it after each use.

Choice A reason: This statement indicates that the child understands the role of allergens in triggering asthma symptoms and the importance of avoiding or reducing exposure to them. Allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, mold, and pollen can cause inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The nurse should teach the child how to identify and eliminate or minimize allergens in the home, school, and outdoor environments.
Choice B reason: This statement is true, but it does not indicate that the child has learned how to manage the condition to prevent asthma attacks. Missing school days is a consequence of poorly controlled asthma, not a cause or a trigger¹². The nurse should teach the child how to use a written asthma action plan, which includes daily medications, peak flow monitoring, and rescue medications, to achieve good asthma control and reduce the risk of exacerbations.
Choice C reason: This statement is false and indicates that the child has a misconception about the impact of asthma on physical activity. Physical activity is beneficial for children with asthma, as it can improve lung function, cardiovascular fitness, and quality of life. The nurse should teach the child how to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which is a common trigger of asthma symptoms, by using a short-acting bronchodilator before exercise, warming up and cooling down, and avoiding exercise in cold or polluted air.
Choice D reason: This statement is false and indicates that the child does not recognize the signs of poor asthma control. Coughing and shortness of breath in the morning are common symptoms of nocturnal asthma, which is a sign of uncontrolled asthma and a risk factor for severe asthma attacks. The nurse should teach the child how to monitor and record asthma symptoms and peak flow readings, and how to adjust medications according to the asthma action plan.