A medication order requires the nurse to administer 1.5 g of a drug. The supply is 500 mg per capsule. How many capsules should the nurse administer using dimensional analysis?

A. Antibiotics: These agents are pharmacological substances designed to eradicate or inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria during an active infection. While asthma may be exacerbated by respiratory infections, antibiotics do not possess the anti-inflammatory properties required to manage chronic bronchial hyperreactivity. They do not address the underlying eosinophilic or lymphocytic infiltration of the airway.

B. Beta-agonists: These medications act on beta-2 adrenergic receptors to induce smooth muscle relaxation and rapid bronchodilation during acute bronchospasm. While essential for relieving immediate obstructive symptoms, they do not inhibit the underlying inflammatory cascade or reduce mucosal edema. Excessive use without anti-inflammatory coverage can lead to receptor downregulation and poor asthma control.

C. Antihistamines: These drugs antagonize H1 receptors to mitigate the effects of histamine release during Type 1 hypersensitivity reactions, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract. Although they may assist in managing comorbid allergic rhinitis, they are not effective for the primary management of lower airway inflammation. They lack the potency to suppress the complex cellular inflammation of asthma.

D. Corticosteroids: These potent anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and leukotrienes, while reducing the migration of eosinophils. By suppressing the immune response within the bronchial mucosa, they reduce airway edema and hyperresponsiveness over time. They represent the gold standard for long-term maintenance therapy in chronic asthma.

A. Provide steroid therapy for immediate relief of symptoms:Glucocorticoids are typically reserved for severe inflammatory compromise or airway obstruction in specific conditions like mononucleosis. They are not the standard first-line intervention for a self-limiting viral pharyngitis in an immunocompetent patient. Routine use of steroids for mild viral infections carries unnecessary risks of systemic side effects.

B. Administer antibiotics to alleviate throat pain:Antibiotics target bacterial cell walls or metabolic pathways and have zero efficacy against viral pathogens. Prescribing them for a viral etiology contributes to the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance and provides no clinical benefit to the patient. Pain management should instead focus on analgesics or topical soothing agents.

C. Recommend usage of antihistamines to reduce inflammation:Antihistamines are indicated for Type 1 hypersensitivity reactions by blocking H1 receptors to reduce allergic rhinitis or urticaria. They do not address the inflammatory cascade triggered by a viral infection of the oropharynx. Their drying effect may actually increase throat irritation by reducing protective mucosal lubrication.

D. Encourage hydration and rest:Supportive care is the primary management strategy for viral infections to allow the immune system to clear the pathogen. Oral fluids maintain mucosal moisture and prevent dehydration, while rest conserves metabolic energy for the immune response. This intervention aligns with evidence-based protocols for non-complicated viral pharyngitis.