A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and requires mechanical ventilation. The client receives a prescription for pancuronium. The nurse recognizes that this medication is for which of the following purposes?

Choice A reason: Taking this medication when getting an asthma attack is not a correct way to use montelukast. Montelukast is a leukotriene modifier that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks and exercise induced bronchoconstriction. It is taken once a day in oral form and may cause side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, or mood changes. It is not a fast acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks and needs to be taken daily.

Choice B reason: Rinsing the mouth after taking this medication is not necessary or helpful for montelukast. Rinsing the mouth is usually recommended for inhaled corticosteroids, which can cause oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. Montelukast is not an inhaled corticosteroid and does not cause oral thrush.

Choice C reason: Taking this medication once a day in the evening is the correct way to use montelukast. Montelukast works best when taken in the evening, as it can improve the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis that occur at night or early in the morning. Taking it at the same time every day can also help to maintain a steady level of the drug in the body and prevent missed doses.

Choice D reason: Using a spacer device when inhaling this medication is not applicable or useful for montelukast. A spacer device is a tube that attaches to an inhaler and helps to deliver the medication more effectively to the lungs. Montelukast is not an inhaler, but a tablet or a granule that is swallowed.

Choice A reason: Decrease respiratory secretions. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the production or clearance of respiratory secretions. This medication is not used to treat the pulmonary edema and inflammation that occur in ARDS.

Choice B reason: Induce sedation. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any sedative or analgesic properties. This medication does not affect the level of consciousness or pain perception of the client. A client who receives pancuronium should also receive adequate sedation and analgesia to prevent anxiety and discomfort.

Choice C reason: Suppress respiratory effort. This answer is correct because pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocker that inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, causing paralysis and relaxation. This medication is used to suppress the respiratory effort of the client and allow the mechanical ventilator to control the breathing.

Choice D reason: Decrease chest wall compliance. This answer is incorrect because pancuronium does not have any effect on the elasticity or stiffness of the chest wall. This medication is not used to treat the reduced lung compliance and increased airway resistance that occur in ARDS.