A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a school-age child who has asthma. Which of the following medications should the nurse instruct the child to use to abort an ongoing attack?

A. The medication will relieve wheezing: Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist bronchodilator that works by quickly relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, leading to rapid bronchodilation. This helps relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness commonly associated with asthma exacerbations.

B. The medication will reduce inflammation: Albuterol is not primarily indicated for reducing inflammation in asthma. While it can help alleviate symptoms of bronchospasm, it does not target the underlying inflammation associated with asthma.

C. The medication will increase the amount of mucus: Albuterol does not increase mucus production. In fact, it is a bronchodilator medication that primarily targets airway smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation to improve airflow and relieve symptoms.

D. The medication will decrease coughing episodes: Albuterol can help decrease coughing episodes by relieving bronchospasm and improving airflow. However, its primary mechanism of action is bronchodilation rather than directly targeting coughing.

E. The medication will open the airways: Albuterol works by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the airway smooth muscles, resulting in relaxation of these muscles and dilation of the bronchial tubes. This action helps to open the airways, allowing for improved airflow and easier breathing.

A) Antihistamines:
Antihistamines are commonly used in the treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction, and can help alleviate symptoms such as itching, hives, and nasal congestion. Antihistamines are typically included in the treatment regimen for anaphylaxis but should not be relied upon as the sole treatment.

B) Vasodilators.
Vasodilators are medications that widen blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. In the context of anaphylaxis, where blood pressure can drop precipitously due to systemic vasodilation, the use of vasodilators can exacerbate hypotension, potentially worsening the patient's condition. Therefore, vasodilators should be avoided in the management of anaphylaxis.

C) Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, are used in the management of anaphylaxis to reduce inflammation and prevent late-phase allergic reactions. They are not typically used as first-line treatment during the acute phase of anaphylaxis but may be administered after initial stabilization to prevent recurrence of symptoms.

D) Bronchodilators:
Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, are used to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While bronchospasm can occur during anaphylaxis, bronchodilators may still be used to address this symptom. However, they should be used cautiously, and their administration should not delay the administration of epinephrine, which is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis.