A patient newly diagnosed with left-sided heart failure is admitted to the hospital. The nurse will observe this patient closely for:

Choice A reason: This is not a correct statement. LABAs stand for long-acting beta2-agonists, which are a class of medications that relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve the airflow in patients with asthma or COPD. However, LABAs do not reduce the risk of asthma-related deaths, and may even increase it if used alone without an inhaled glucocorticoid, which is a type of anti-inflammatory medication.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct statement. LABAs cannot be used on an as-needed basis to treat symptoms, as they have a slow onset of action and a long duration of effect. LABAs are meant to be used as a maintenance therapy to prevent asthma exacerbations, not to relieve acute symptoms. For quick relief of symptoms, patients should use a short-acting beta2-agonist, such as albuterol or salbutamol.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct statement. LABAs are not safer than short-acting beta2 agonists, as they have similar side effects, such as tachycardia, tremors, and hypokalemia. LABAs also have a black box warning that they may increase the risk of asthma-related deaths if used without an inhaled glucocorticoid.

Choice D reason: This is the correct statement. LABAs should be combined with an inhaled glucocorticoid, as this combination has been shown to improve the asthma control, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and decrease the inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The inhaled glucocorticoid also reduces the risk of adverse effects and mortality associated with LABAs.

Choice A reason: Albuterol is not used to treat acute allergies. It is a bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and improves airflow. Antihistamines are the drugs of choice for acute allergies.

Choice B reason: Albuterol is not used to treat nasal congestion. It is a bronchodilator that acts on the lungs, not the nose. Decongestants are the drugs of choice for nasal congestion.

Choice C reason: Albuterol is not used to treat dyspnea on exertion. It is a bronchodilator that is used for acute or chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dyspnea on exertion is a symptom of various cardiac or pulmonary disorders that require further evaluation and treatment.

Choice D reason: Albuterol is used to treat acute bronchospasm. It is a bronchodilator that quickly relieves the symptoms of bronchoconstriction, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is often prescribed as a rescue inhaler for patients with asthma or COPD.