A nurse is reviewing medication for a patient with a recent myocardial infarction. The physician has prescribed aspirin. What is the primary purpose of this medication in this context?

Choice A reason: Limit caffeine intake is not an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled fluticasone. Fluticasone is a medication that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, which can improve breathing and prevent asthma attacks. Fluticasone does not interact with caffeine or affect the heart rate or blood pressure. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause nervousness, insomnia, or palpitations in some people, but it does not worsen asthma symptoms or interfere with fluticasone therapy. The nurse should advise the client to consume caffeine in moderation and avoid it before bedtime.

Choice B reason: Take the medication with meals is not an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled fluticasone. Fluticasone is a medication that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, which can improve breathing and prevent asthma attacks. Fluticasone is administered by inhalation, not by mouth, and it does not affect the digestion or absorption of food. The nurse should instruct the client to use the inhaler as prescribed, usually twice a day, regardless of the mealtimes.

Choice C reason: Rinse the mouth after administration is an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled fluticasone. Fluticasone is a medication that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, which can improve breathing and prevent asthma attacks. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid, which can cause side effects such as oral thrush, hoarseness, or sore throat if it remains in the mouth after inhalation. The nurse should instruct the client to rinse the mouth with water and spit it out after each dose of fluticasone to prevent these side effects. The nurse should also teach the client how to use the inhaler properly and check the inhaler technique regularly.

Choice D reason: Check the pulse after medication administration is not an instruction that the nurse should provide to the client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled fluticasone. Fluticasone is a medication that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, which can improve breathing and prevent asthma attacks. Fluticasone does not affect the heart rate or blood pressure, and it is not a rescue medication that should be used for acute asthma symptoms. The nurse should monitor the respiratory rate and the oxygen saturation of the client after administering fluticasone and advise the client to use a short acting bronchodilator, such as albuterol, for quick relief of wheezing or shortness of breath.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Taking antacids does not protect the stomach from the irritation caused by spicy foods. Antacids only reduce the acidity of the stomach contents, but they do not heal the ulcer or prevent further damage.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Taking antacids does not affect the digestion of carbohydrates or any other nutrients. Antacids only act on stomach acid, not on the enzymes that break down food.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Taking antacids does not stop the stomach from producing acid. Antacids only react with the acid that is already present in the stomach, but they do not inhibit the secretion of acid by the stomach cells.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Taking antacids will help neutralize the acid that is already in the stomach, which can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the ulcer. Antacids can also form a protective coating over the ulcer, which can help it heal faster.