A patient is admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia after complaining of high fever and shortness of breath. The patient was not able to produce sputum for a culture. The nurse will expect the patient's provider to order which of the following?

A. Shake the bottle before use: Shaking may be necessary for suspensions to ensure even distribution of medication, but it does not prevent contamination. While important for proper dosing, it is not the primary infection control measure.

B. Administer while the patient is standing: The patient’s position affects comfort and ease of administration but does not influence contamination risk. Positioning can be adjusted to facilitate proper instillation into the conjunctival sac.

C. Instill directly onto the cornea: Placing drops directly on the cornea can cause irritation or injury. Eye drops should be placed in the conjunctival sac, which does not reduce contamination risk but ensures safety and comfort.

D. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface.: Avoiding contact with the dropper tip prevents introduction of microorganisms that could contaminate the medication. Contaminated tips can cause eye infections, making this step crucial for safe administration.

A. "I will use this as needed for acute symptoms.": Montelukast is not a rescue medication and should not be used for acute asthma attacks. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist intended for daily maintenance therapy to prevent bronchoconstriction. Using it for sudden symptoms could delay appropriate treatment.

B. "I will need to have periodic laboratory tests while taking this medication.": Routine lab monitoring is generally not required for montelukast, as it does not significantly affect kidney, liver, or blood parameters in most patients. Ordering unnecessary labs indicates a misunderstanding of the medication’s safety profile.

C. “I will take one tablet daily at bedtime.": This statement demonstrates correct understanding, as montelukast is taken once daily, typically in the evening, to provide optimal control of nocturnal symptoms.

D. "I will begin participating in a smoking cessation program at work.": Engaging in smoking cessation is appropriate and beneficial for respiratory health, complementing asthma management and montelukast therapy.