A client has been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. Which symptoms would the nurse expect to observe?

(Select All that Apply.)

A. The inside surface of the lungs is small, and the dose is concentrated in that area: Inhalation medications are delivered directly to the lungs, where they are rapidly absorbed due to the small surface area and the close proximity of the medication to the lung tissue.

B. There is a large surface area inside the lungs: The lungs have a large surface area for gas exchange, allowing for efficient absorption of inhaled medications into the bloodstream.

C. Inhaled medications are given at very high doses: Inhaled medications are typically given at therapeutic doses appropriate for the patient's condition. While they may be given in higher doses compared to oral medications in some cases, the dosage is carefully adjusted based on factors such as the patient's age, weight, and severity of the condition.

D. Inhaled medications are given with food: Inhaled medications are typically administered separately from meals. Food can interfere with the absorption of inhaled medications and may affect their effectiveness.
E. There is a rich blood supply to the lungs: The lungs have a rich network of blood vessels, known as pulmonary capillaries, which allows for rapid absorption of inhaled medications into the bloodstream.

A) Theophylline:
Theophylline is a bronchodilator medication that is used for the long-term management of asthma, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta agonists like albuterol.

B) Montelukast:
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for the long-term management of asthma, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta agonists like albuterol.

C) Albuterol.
The patient is presenting with symptoms consistent with an asthma exacerbation, including shortness of breath, increased work of breathing, expiratory wheezing, and a history of asthma. Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist bronchodilator commonly used as the first-line treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. It acts quickly to relax bronchial smooth muscles, relieve bronchoconstriction, and improve airflow, which can help alleviate the patient's symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing.

D) Salmeterol:
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta agonist bronchodilator that is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma, but it is not typically used as the initial treatment for acute asthma exacerbations. Its onset of action is slower compared to short-acting beta agonists like albuterol, and it is not recommended for rapid relief of acute symptoms.