A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of a school-age child who has ADHD and a new prescription for a methylphenidate transdermal patch. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason:

Airborne precautions are implemented for diseases that spread through small airborne particles, such as tuberculosis or measles. These diseases can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and be inhaled by others. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making airborne precautions unnecessary.

Choice B reason:

Droplet precautions are appropriate for illnesses that spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Pertussis falls into this category as it is transmitted mainly through respiratory droplets. By implementing droplet precautions, the nurse will minimize the risk of transmission to others, including healthcare workers and other patients.

Choice C reason:

Standard precautions are the baseline infection prevention practices used for all patients to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. While important, they may not be sufficient to control the transmission of pertussis, as it requires additional measures like droplet precautions due to its specific mode of transmission.

Choice D reason:

Neutropenic precautions are used for patients with compromised immune systems, particularly those with low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). The purpose is to protect these vulnerable individuals from exposure to infectious agents. However, pertussis precautions are different and do not fall under the neutropenic category.

Choice C reason: The correct answer is choice C, "I need to use my levalbuterol inhaler before I exercise.” This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching because using the levalbuterol inhaler before exercise is a preventive measure for asthma symptoms. Levalbuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist that helps to relax the airway muscles and improve breathing. By using it before exercise, the client can prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and reduce the risk of asthma symptoms during physical activity.

Choice A reason:

The statement "I will wait 15 seconds between puffs when using my levalbuterol inhaler” is incorrect. The recommended wait time between puffs of a levalbuterol inhaler is typically 30- 60 seconds to allow the medication to be fully absorbed and work effectively. Waiting only 15 seconds might not provide the desired therapeutic effect.

Choice B reason:

The statement "I need to use my fluticasone inhaler when I start to wheeze during exercise” is incorrect. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid inhaler used for long-term control of asthma symptoms, not for immediate relief during wheezing episodes. The client should use the fluticasone inhaler daily as prescribed to prevent asthma symptoms, including wheezing, from occurring in the first place.

Choice D reason:

The statement "I will stop using my fluticasone inhaler if I experience restlessness” is incorrect. Fluticasone is a long-term controller medication, and abruptly stopping it can lead to uncontrolled asthma symptoms and potentially exacerbate the condition. Restlessness might be a side effect of the medication, but it is not a reason to discontinue its use. If the client experiences any concerning side effects, they should consult their healthcare provider for appropriate management.