A nurse is collecting data from a client who is taking sumatriptan. Which of the following reports indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?

Albuterol belongs to a class of medications known as beta-adrenergic agonists, specifically beta-2 selective agonists. When inhaled, albuterol binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors located on the smooth muscle cells lining the airways in the lungs. Activation of these receptors leads to relaxation of the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes, causing them to widen (bronchodilation). By dilating the airways, albuterol helps to reduce airway resistance and increase airflow into and out of the lungs, making it easier to breathe during an asthma attack.

One should hold breath for 5 to 10 seconds after inhalation of the puff.

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-adrenergic agonist (LABA) bronchodilator commonly used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Salmeterol is usually prescribed for twice-daily dosing.

One should wait for 2 minutes between two puffs.

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication that is inhaled into the lungs to reduce inflammation in the airways. If these particles remain in the mouth, they can increase the risk of developing oral thrush, which is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Rinsing the mouth with water after using the inhaler helps to remove any residual medication particles, reducing the risk of oral thrush.

B. Hemoglobin levels should be monitored regularly to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy. Epoetin alfa stimulates the production of red blood cells, which should result in an increase in hemoglobin levels over time in clients with anemia. Monitoring hemoglobin levels helps determine if the medication is achieving the desired therapeutic effect.

A. Thrombin time measures the time it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample after thrombin is added. It is primarily used to assess abnormalities in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin during the clotting process. Thrombin time is not typically monitored to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
C. AST is an enzyme found primarily in the liver and heart. Elevated AST levels may indicate liver or heart damage but are not specifically related to the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy. AST is not routinely monitored to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
D. Troponin is a cardiac biomarker used to diagnose myocardial infarction (heart attack). Elevated troponin levels indicate damage to the heart muscle. Troponin levels are not directly related to the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy and are not routinely monitored for this purpose.