A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is postoperative and has a respiratory rate of 7/min. The arterial blood gas (ABG) values include: pH 7.22 PaCO2 68 mm Hg Base excess -2 PaO2 78 mm Hg Oxygen saturation 80% Bicarbonate 28 mEq/L. Which of the following interpretations of the ABG values should the nurse make?

A. "I'll rinse my mouth after taking this medication."

Montelukast is taken orally and is not associated with the risk of oral thrush or other mouth-related side effects that would require rinsing the mouth after administration. This action is more commonly associated with inhaled corticosteroids, not leukotriene receptor antagonists.

B. "I'll use this medication when I get an asthma attack."

Montelukast is not a rescue medication for asthma attacks. It is a long-term controller medication used to manage and prevent asthma symptoms, not to treat acute attacks. Short-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol are used for quick relief during asthma attacks.

C. "I'll take this medication once a day in the evening."

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist commonly used to manage asthma. It is typically taken orally once daily, usually in the evening, to provide 24-hour control of asthma symptoms and improve lung function. Therefore, the statement indicating an understanding of the teaching is option C.

D. "I'll decrease my sodium intake while I'm taking this medication."

Montelukast is not known to affect sodium levels in the body or require any specific dietary modifications, such as decreasing sodium intake. Therefore, this statement is unrelated to the use of montelukast for asthma management

A. Expiratory wheeze

Expiratory wheeze is a high-pitched, musical sound heard primarily during expiration. It occurs when air passes through narrowed airways due to bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and increased mucus production, which are characteristic features of an acute asthma exacerbation. Expiratory wheezes are commonly heard upon auscultation of the chest in individuals experiencing asthma exacerbations.

B. Pleural friction rub

Pleural friction rub is a dry, crackling or grating sound heard during both inspiration and expiration. It typically occurs when the inflamed pleural surfaces rub against each other during breathing. Pleural friction rub is associated with conditions such as pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura) or pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleural space), rather than asthma exacerbations.

C. Fine rales

Fine rales, also known as fine crackles, are brief, high-pitched, discontinuous sounds heard primarily during inspiration. They are typically associated with conditions involving the small airways and alveoli, such as pulmonary fibrosis or congestive heart failure. Fine rales are not commonly heard in asthma exacerbations.

D. Rhonchi

Rhonchi are low-pitched, snoring or rattling sounds heard primarily during expiration. They result from the passage of air through airways obstructed by thick mucus or secretions. While rhonchi may be heard in individuals experiencing asthma exacerbations, they are less characteristic than expiratory wheezes, which are more commonly associated with asthma exacerbations. Rhonchi are often associated with conditions such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia.