A 41-year-old woman with a history of persistent asthma presents to the nurse practitioner with a chief complaint of an increase in exacerbations. Why would a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) NOT be prescribed as monotherapy for this patient?

Choice A reason: LABAs do improve lung function and quality of life when used appropriately, but this statement does not address the safety concerns of monotherapy. LABAs must be combined with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to mitigate risks. Choice B reason: LABAs are indeed recommended at step 3 of asthma management guidelines, but only in combination with ICS. Monotherapy with LABAs is contraindicated due to safety concerns. Choice C reason: Monotherapy with LABAs has been associated with an increased risk of asthma-related deaths. This risk is mitigated when LABAs are used in combination with ICS, which address the underlying inflammation. Therefore, LABA monotherapy is not recommended. Choice D reason: LABAs are not used for rescue therapy. Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs), such as albuterol, are the standard rescue medications for acute asthma symptoms. LABAs are used for maintenance therapy.