A nurse is reinforcing teaching about delirium with the caregiver of a client. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A) "It takes 2 months of scheduled use before this medication is effective.":
This statement is incorrect. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that works to prevent asthma symptoms and improve lung function. It typically takes a few days to a week for the medication to become effective, not 2 months. Immediate relief is not expected, but long-term benefits can be seen within a relatively short period after starting the medication.

B) "I will give this medication to my child every 2 hours if he is wheezing.":
This statement is incorrect. Montelukast is a maintenance medication that is taken on a daily basis to prevent asthma symptoms. It is not a rescue medication and should not be used every 2 hours when the child is wheezing. Rescue medications like short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) should be used during an asthma attack or when wheezing occurs.

C) "I will give this medication to my child once daily in the evening.":
This statement is correct. Montelukast is typically taken once daily in the evening. It helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms, and taking it in the evening aligns with the medication's intended use for long-term control of asthma.

D) "I can stop giving my child this medication if he is taking steroids.":
This statement is incorrect. Montelukast is often used alongside steroids (inhaled corticosteroids) for managing asthma. The two medications work in different ways, and discontinuing montelukast while continuing steroids may not provide optimal asthma control. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the use of both medications.

A) Instruct another nurse to record the prescription in the medical record:
The nurse receiving a telephone prescription is responsible for ensuring the prescription is recorded correctly in the medical record. It is not appropriate to delegate this responsibility to another nurse. The nurse should personally document the prescription to ensure accuracy and clarity.

B) Withhold the medication until the provider signs the prescription:
The nurse should not withhold the medication solely based on the provider's signature. Telephone prescriptions are valid once they are received and documented accurately by the nurse. The prescription must be signed by the provider as soon as possible, but withholding medication is not warranted unless there are other concerns with the prescription.

C) Ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication:
When receiving a telephone prescription, the nurse should ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication to avoid errors. Medication names, especially those that sound similar, need to be communicated clearly to ensure correct medication administration. This action helps prevent misinterpretation or confusion, ensuring patient safety.

D) Record the date and time of the telephone prescription:
Recording the date and time of the telephone prescription is essential for accurate documentation and legal purposes. This step ensures that there is a clear record of when the prescription was given and that the provider’s order is traceable in the client’s medical record. It also assists in meeting legal and institutional documentation requirements.

E) Request that the provider confirm the read-back of the prescription:
The nurse should read back the prescription to the provider to confirm accuracy. This action is part of the "read-back" process, a safety measure used to verify that the prescription has been communicated correctly and understood by both the nurse and the provider. This step helps reduce the risk of medication errors.