The physician prescribed albuterol, beclomethasone, and zafirlukast for a client being discharged with asthma. The client tells the nurse he can’t remember what to take before exercising. The best response by the nurse would be:

Choice A reason: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps to open up the airways, making it easier to breathe. It is commonly used in the treatment of acute bronchitis, especially if the patient is experiencing wheezing or shortness of breath. Albuterol works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which helps to relieve symptoms of bronchospasm.

Choice B reason: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear out. This can be particularly helpful for a patient with a productive cough and green sputum, as it aids in clearing the respiratory passages. Guaifenesin is often used in the management of acute bronchitis to help alleviate symptoms.

Choice C reason: Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways. It can be beneficial in severe cases of acute bronchitis where there is significant inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes. Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone are used to decrease the inflammatory response and improve breathing.

Choice D reason: Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. However, in the case of acute bronchitis with a productive cough, suppressing the cough can be counterproductive. The goal is to clear the mucus from the airways, and suppressing the cough can lead to mucus retention and potentially worsen the condition. Therefore, the use of a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan is not recommended in this scenario.

Choice A reason: Stating that none of these medications will work for this activity is incorrect. Albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist, is specifically used to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). It is effective in opening the airways and preventing asthma symptoms triggered by exercise.

Choice B reason: Using beclomethasone prior to exercising is not recommended. Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control of asthma and is not effective as a pre-exercise medication. It helps reduce inflammation in the airways over time but does not provide immediate relief or prevention of exercise-induced symptoms.

Choice C reason: Albuterol is most effective when taken before this type of activity. Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that works quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. It is commonly prescribed to be taken 10-15 minutes before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. This medication helps to prevent the narrowing of the airways that can occur during physical activity, making it the best choice for preventing exercise-induced asthma symptoms.

Choice D reason: Using zafirlukast prior to aerobic activity is not the best option. Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term control of asthma. It helps reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms but is not typically used as a pre-exercise medication. It does not provide the immediate bronchodilation needed to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.