A nurse is teaching a client who has been taking prednisone to treat asthma and has a new prescription to discontinue the medication. The nurse should explain to the client to reduce the dose gradually to prevent which of the following adverse effects?

A. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that provides quick relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it essential to use before a corticosteroid like beclomethasone, which reduces inflammation. Using albuterol first allows for better delivery of the beclomethasone to the airways.

B. I will use both medications immediately after exercising. Albuterol may be used as a rescue inhaler before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, but beclomethasone is a maintenance medication and should not be used immediately after exercising unless prescribed.

C. "If my breathing begins to feel tight, I will use the beclomethasone inhaler immediately.” Beclomethasone is a long-term control medication, not a rescue inhaler. If breathing feels tight or there is an asthma attack, the client should use the albuterol inhaler for immediate relief.

D. I will administer the medications 10 minutes apart.While there is no strict rule about the timing between inhaler uses, the albuterol should be used first to open the airways, and while waiting a few minutes is acceptable, the emphasis should be on using albuterol before beclomethasone rather than a specific time frame.

The nurse should make the following responses regarding how albuterol helps the client's breathing:

• The medication will open the airways.
• The medication will prevent wheezing.

Albuterol is a bronchodilator medication commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, leading to the dilation of the bronchial tubes and increased airflow. This mechanism helps open up the airways and prevent or relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

The other options are incorrect because:

The medication will decrease coughing episodes: While albuterol may indirectly reduce coughing episodes by opening up the airways and improving airflow, its primary effect is on bronchodilation rather than directly targeting coughing.

The medication will stimulate the flow of mucus: Albuterol is not known to stimulate mucus flow. Instead, it focuses on bronchodilation to improve airflow in the lungs.

The medication will reduce inflammation: Albuterol is primarily a bronchodilator and does not have a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Other medications, such as corticosteroids, are typically used to address inflammation in respiratory conditions.