A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of asthma. Which of the following medications should the nurse instruct the client to use to abort an acute asthma attack?

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist commonly used to manage asthma and allergic rhinitis. Its primary therapeutic effect is to improve respiratory symptoms by reducing inflammation and constriction of the airways. Therefore, an increased ease of breathing would be an expected outcome indicating that the medication is working effectively.

The other options are incorrect because:

A. The client's seizure threshold is reduced: Montelukast does not have any effect on the seizure threshold. This outcome is unrelated to the medication and may be indicative of a different condition or treatment.

B. The client experiences less muscle pain: Montelukast is not indicated for reducing muscle pain. This outcome is unrelated to the medication and may be indicative of a different condition or treatment.

D. The client's platelet count is increased: Montelukast does not have an effect on platelet count. This outcome is unrelated to the medication and may be indicative of a different condition or treatment.

White coating in the mouth: A white coating in the mouth could be a sign of a fungal infection such as oral thrush. Fluticasone, which is a corticosteroid, can increase the risk of developing fungal infections. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to report any signs of oral thrush or other unusual changes in the mouth, such as white patches or discomfort, to the provider.
Prompt identification and treatment of oral thrush are necessary to prevent its progression and ensure effective management of the client's condition.
Dry oral mucous membranes: Dry oral mucous membranes are not typically associated with fluticasone/salmeterol use. However, if the client experiences persistent or severe dryness in the mouth or any other unusual oral symptoms, it should be reported to the provider. Dry mouth can sometimes occur as a side effect of medications or indicate other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Sedation: Sedation is not a common side effect of fluticasone/salmeterol. If the client experiences excessive drowsiness or sedation that interferes with their daily activities, it may be important to report this to the provider. While sedation is not a typical adverse effect of this medication, individual responses can vary, and it is essential to ensure appropriate monitoring and management.
Increased appetite is not typically associated with fluticasone/salmeterol use. It is not a commonly reported adverse effect of the medication. However, if the client experiences significant and unexplained changes in appetite that are concerning or persistent, it may be worth mentioning to the provider during a follow-up appointment or as part of ongoing monitoring.