How does montelukast (Singulair), a leukotriene blocker, work in the treatment of asthma?

Choice A reason: The patient should not use the glucocorticoid as needed when symptoms flare. The glucocorticoid is a long-term controller medication that reduces inflammation and prevents exacerbations of COPD. It should be used regularly as prescribed, not as a rescue medication.

Choice B reason: The patient does not need to use the beta2-adrenergic agonist drug daily even when they don't have any symptoms. The beta2-adrenergic agonist is a short-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and improves airflow. It should be used as needed for relief of acute symptoms, not as a maintenance medication.

Choice C reason: The beta2-adrenergic agonist does not suppress the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. The beta2-adrenergic agonist is a bronchodilator that acts on the beta2 receptors of the airways and causes relaxation of the smooth muscles. It does not have any anti-inflammatory effects.

Choice D reason: The glucocorticoid is used as prophylaxis to prevent exacerbations every day. This is the correct statement that indicates understanding of this medication regimen. The glucocorticoid is a long-term controller medication that reduces inflammation and prevents exacerbations of COPD. It should be used regularly as prescribed, along with the beta2-adrenergic agonist as needed for relief of acute symptoms.

Choice A reason: Infection in the blood is not empyema. It is sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection causes tissue damage, organ failure, or death.

Choice B reason: Infection in the pleural space is empyema. It is a collection of pus in the space between the lungs and the chest wall, usually caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from the lungs or the chest cavity.

Choice C reason: Exudative bronchitis is not empyema. It is a type of bronchitis that involves inflammation and excess mucus production in the bronchi, the airways that carry air to the lungs.

Choice D reason: Infection localized in the lung is not empyema. It is pneumonia, which is an inflammation of the lung tissue, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection that affects the air sacs or the interstitial tissue.