A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parents of an infant who has a Pavlik harness.

Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Explanation

A. Administer the medication to the toddler each evening.

Montelukast is a long-term control medication used for the management of asthma in both children and adults. It is typically taken once daily in the evening to provide continuous asthma control. Consistency in taking the medication is important to maintain its effectiveness.

Providing an additional dose of the medication prior to physical activity in (option B) is not a standard recommendation for montelukast use. Montelukast is not a rescue medication and does not provide immediate relief for asthma symptoms triggered by physical activity. In such cases, a short-acting bronchodilator medication, such as albuterol, is commonly used prior to physical activity.

Mixing the medication in juice prior to administration in (option C) is not recommended unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider or indicated in the medication instructions.

Montelukast is available in various formulations, including chewable tablets and granules, which can be taken directly or mixed with certain foods or liquids. However, the specific instructions should be followed as provided by the healthcare provider or medication label.

Administering the medication when the toddler in (option D) has an acute asthma attack is not the intended use of montelukast. Montelukast is a long-term control medication aimed at preventing asthma symptoms and maintaining asthma control over time. For acute asthma attacks, a short-acting bronchodilator medication is typically used.

Therefore, the nurse should instruct the parents to administer the medication to the toddler each evening (option A) as part of the routine, long-term management of asthma.

Fidelity, also known as loyalty or faithfulness, refers to the nurse's commitment to keeping promises and fulfilling their responsibilities to the client. By promising to walk with the client in the outdoor courtyard each day, the nurse is demonstrating fidelity by maintaining their commitment to the client's well-being and providing the support needed to alleviate anxiety.

Autonomy refers to the client's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. While the nurse's promise supports the client's autonomy by accommodating their preference for exercising in the courtyard, it is not the principle being demonstrated by the nurse.

Justice refers to fairness and equality in healthcare, ensuring equitable treatment and distribution of resources. While justice is an important ethical principle, it is not directly applicable in this situation.

Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm and taking actions to prevent harm to the client. While the nurse's promise of walking with the client aligns with the goal of reducing anxiety, it is not specifically related to preventing harm.