A nurse is teaching an adolescent client who has asthma about medications to treat an acute asthma attack. Which of the following medications should the nurse include in the instructions?
A.
Fluticasone.
B.
Albuterol.
C.
Salmeterol.
D.
Beclomethasone.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Albuterol.
Explanation:
When treating an acute asthma attack, the primary goal is to provide quick relief from symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. This requires the use of medications that act rapidly to relax the muscles of the airways and facilitate immediate improvement in breathing.
Albuterol is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonists (SABAs). SABAs work by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the smooth muscle of the airways, leading to bronchodilation or the widening of the airways. This action helps to quickly relieve acute symptoms of asthma by reducing airway constriction and improving airflow. Albuterol is typically administered via an inhaler or nebulizer, making it suitable for use during an acute asthma attack.
The other medications listed, although important in asthma management, are not intended for immediate relief during an acute attack:
- Fluticasone (Option A) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control of asthma. It works by reducing inflammation in the airways, but it does not provide rapid relief during an acute asthma episode.
- Salmeterol (Option C) is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) used for maintenance therapy in asthma. It provides bronchodilation over an extended period but is not effective for immediate relief of acute symptoms.
- Beclomethasone (Option D) is another inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms. Like fluticasone, it helps to decrease inflammation and prevent asthma exacerbations but is not used for acute symptom relief.
In summary, albuterol is the medication that should be included in instructions for treating an acute asthma attack due to its rapid bronchodilatory effect, which helps to alleviate symptoms quickly and effectively.