A nurse in an assisted-living facility reinforcing teaching with staff members about preparing for an external chemical disaster. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A) I will take my inhaler treatment before each meal and at bedtime:
Budesonide is a corticosteroid inhaler used for asthma management, but it is not specifically required to be taken before meals. The timing of inhaler use should be directed by the healthcare provider based on the individual treatment plan. Taking the inhaler at meals is not typically necessary unless specifically instructed, and there is no standard requirement for it to be taken at bedtime either.

B) I will rinse my mouth and gargle with water after each inhaler treatment:
Rinsing the mouth and gargling with water after using an inhaled corticosteroid, like budesonide, is an essential step to reduce the risk of developing oral thrush, a fungal infection. Corticosteroids can promote fungal growth in the mouth, so rinsing helps to clear any residual medication from the mouth and prevent this complication. This statement demonstrates an accurate understanding of the proper use of the inhaler.

C) I should use my inhaler when I have an asthma attack:
Budesonide is a maintenance medication used to control asthma symptoms over the long term, not for immediate relief during an asthma attack. For acute asthma attacks, a fast-acting bronchodilator like albuterol is used, not a corticosteroid like budesonide. The adolescent’s statement reflects a misunderstanding of the purpose of budesonide, which is for prevention and long-term control.

D) I should use my inhaler before exercising:
Using an inhaler before exercise may be appropriate for clients who have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or asthma, but budesonide is not typically used as a pre-exercise medication. Instead, a short-acting bronchodilator is used before exercise to prevent asthma symptoms during activity. Budesonide is generally used for long-term asthma management rather than for acute symptom relief.

A) "The headaches should decrease as you get used to the medication.": This statement is correct. A common side effect of isosorbide dinitrate is headaches, as the medication works by dilating blood vessels, which can cause a drop in blood pressure. These headaches typically occur when the medication starts, but they often decrease over time as the body adjusts to the drug. The nurse should reassure the client that this side effect is generally temporary.

B) "You should take the medication on an empty stomach to prevent a headache.": This statement is incorrect. While taking certain medications on an empty stomach may affect their absorption, isosorbide dinitrate is typically not recommended to be taken on an empty stomach to avoid headaches. In fact, it is more common for people to take it with food if it causes gastrointestinal discomfort, but this is not directly related to preventing headaches.

C) "You can discontinue the medication until the headache goes away.": This statement is incorrect. The client should not discontinue the medication without consulting the healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping isosorbide dinitrate can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potentially worsen the client's condition. The nurse should encourage the client to talk to their provider if the headache becomes unbearable or persistent, but not to stop the medication without guidance.

D) "Swallow the tablet whole to minimize your headaches.": This statement is incorrect. Isosorbide dinitrate in chewable form is designed to be chewed, as this method of administration helps the drug be absorbed more quickly and effectively. Swallowing the tablet whole would not address the issue of headaches and could affect how the medication works.