A nurse is caring for a client who has asthma and allergies. The client asks the nurse about environmental influences they should avoid. The nurse should inform the client to avoid which of the following?

Choice A reason: Budesonide via dry powder inhaler is not a suitable medication for an acute asthma exacerbation. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. It is taken daily as a maintenance therapy and does not work quickly enough to relieve the symptoms of an acute asthma exacerbation.

Choice B reason: Cromolyn via metered dose inhaler is not an effective medication for an acute asthma exacerbation. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer that helps to prevent the release of inflammatory mediators that cause asthma symptoms. It is taken daily as a preventive therapy and does not work quickly enough to relieve the symptoms of an acute asthma exacerbation.

Choice C reason: Albuterol via jet nebulizer is a recommended medication for an acute asthma exacerbation. Albuterol is a short acting beta 2 agonist that helps to relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve breathing. It is taken as needed as a rescue therapy and works quickly to relieve the symptoms of an acute asthma exacerbation.

Choice D reason: Montelukast orally is not a preferred medication for an acute asthma exacerbation. Montelukast is a leukotriene modifier that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks and exercise induced bronchoconstriction. It is taken once a day as an adjunctive therapy and does not work quickly enough to relieve the symptoms of an acute asthma exacerbation.

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.