A pregnant patient asks the nurse if she can take antihistamines for seasonal allergies during her pregnancy. What will the nurse tell the patient?

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) like Montelukast are commonly used in the treatment of asthma. They work by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory substances that can cause narrowing and inflammation of the airways in individuals with asthma. By preventing this inflammation, LTRAs help to reduce asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

The other options mentioned in the statements are not accurate or appropriate for teaching about Montelukast. Taking the medication only when experiencing symptoms is not the recommended approach, as LTRAs are typically taken regularly as part of ongoing asthma management. The statement about the therapeutic effect taking several weeks to notice is not accurate, as Montelukast can start to provide symptom relief within a shorter timeframe.

Additionally, the statement about increasing fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation is unrelated to the use of Montelukast and may not apply to this medication specifically.

Status asthmaticus is a severe and potentially life-threatening asthma exacerbation that does not respond well to usual treatment measures. The primary goal in managing status asthmaticus is to relieve the bronchospasm and improve airflow. Short-acting 62-agonists, such as albuterol, are bronchodilators that work quickly to relax the smooth muscles of the airways, providing immediate relief of bronchospasm.

While determining the cause of the acute exacerbation and obtaining a peak flow reading are important aspects of asthma management, in the case of status asthmaticus, the immediate priority is to administer a bronchodilator to alleviate the severe symptoms and improve the child's breathing. Once the acute symptoms are addressed, further assessment and interventions can be carried out to identify the cause and monitor the child's condition.